(Above) A Chicago Fire Department truck emerges from a fire station at West Illinois & North Dearborn Streets where the city’s Fire Prevention Bureau is located.

February 7, 2016 – The Chicago Fire Department’s Fire Prevention Bureau, which is located on North Dearborn Street in River North, has a new leader.

Fire Commissioner Jose Santiago announced on Sunday that 30-year veteran Richard Ford II, formerly the Deputy Fire Commissioner for Fire Prevention, has been promoted to First Deputy and will handle day-to-day operation of the entire Chicago Fire Department.

Taking over for Ford will be Ford’s second-in-command, Arriel Gray. As Deputy Fire Commissioner for Fire Prevention, Gray will oversee fire inspections and enforcement of fire and safety codes.

Commissioner Santiago said on Sunday the promotion of Gray and Ford, who are both African-American, “not only maintains the diversity of our department but continues my goal of promoting members to better serve the needs of the department and the city we protect.”