Louisville City Wire

LOUISVILLE, Ky. – Marking a turning point for one of the oldest and most storied professional departments in the nation, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced on Wednesday a new chief for the Louisville Fire Department while celebrating the outgoing chief’s more than four decades of service to the community. Mayor Greenberg announced Chief Gregory Frederick is leaving his post and Brian O’Neill has been appointed as the new Chief of Fire. Standing with the two leaders at the Louisville Fire Department Headquarters, Mayor Greenberg expressed appreciation of the outgoing chief and optimism about the department’s future. 

“Today is a big day for the Louisville Fire Department as we thank one amazing leader for his service and also welcome aboard a new chief,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Chief Frederick has done an outstanding job serving our community for decades. Our city owes him a great debt, and I, along with our entire community, want to offer our most sincere thanks to him. Louisville Fire and our city are better off for his commitment, and he leaves tremendous shoes to fill.”

Frederick started his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1978 when he was just 16. After joining the Louisville Division of Fire in 1984, he rose through the ranks to company commander, district chief and then, in 1999 at the age of 36, to chief. In his more than two decades in leadership, Frederick oversaw numerous expansions, implementation of new technologies and, twice under his command, Louisville Fire earned prestigious recognition from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International, a tremendous honor that most fire departments never earn.

O’Neill, 49, has served with the Louisville Fire Department for more than 20 years, first joining the department in March 2003. He served most recently as a battalion chief. In addition to his time with the Louisville Fire Department, O’Neill also served for a decade as president of the Louisville Professional Firefighters, Local #54. Prior to joining the Louisville Fire Department, O’Neill served in the United State Marine Corps from 1992 until 2000. He and his wife Carmen have three children, two attending college and one serving overseas in the United States Marine Corps. 

“Louisville is fortunate to have Brian O’Neill as our new chief, and he will do a great job in helping to ensure the safety of our entire community,” said Mayor Greenberg. “Mr. O’Neill’s knowledge, leadership and commitment to professionalism will not only help to manage a vital public safety department, but also will help keep Louisvillians safe during emergencies. We look forward to his leadership and continued service to the community.”

Original source can be found here.