Mayor Andrew J. Ginther Appoints Jeffrey Happ Fire Chief
Mayor Andrew J. Ginther announced that after a thorough and
thoughtful process and an exhaustive search outside of the Division of Fire, he
has selected Interim Chief Jeffrey Happ to be the next Fire Chief for the City
of Columbus.
“I am confident Chief Happ will take this opportunity to
leverage his experience and relationships to create change and position the
Division of Fire as a model for the country,” Mayor Ginther said.
Happ is a 27-year Columbus Division of Fire veteran who
oversees the Fire Training Academy. He became a firefighter in 1993 and worked
his way through the ranks serving as a battalion chief, captain and lieutenant.
He is also a Certified Ohio Peace Officer Trainer for Homeland Security in
bombs, explosives and incendiary devices. He is a graduate of Miami University.
Mayor Ginther has charged Happ with laying the groundwork
for implementing recommendations that will result from a third-party, independent
review of the Division’s policies – especially those designed to create
an inclusive environment and provide opportunities for women and minorities in
fire service.
“I am extremely grateful and humbled by this opportunity,”
said Fire Chief Happ. “This was not anything I ever imagined for myself
when I started with Columbus Fire almost 28 years ago. The chance to lead and
help shape and improve this great division means the world to me.”