Thomas Lenahan officially became Burbank’s Fire Chief in ceremonies attended by family, friends, colleagues, and city officials. The ceremony was held on the apparatus floor at the department’s headquarters.
The ceremonies opened with a welcome from Assistant Fire Chief Kenet Robertson, then a invocation by Fire Captain Greg Rhodes, and Pledge of Allegiance by Fire Marshall Steve Briggs. The keynote speaker of the afternoon was Retired Fire Chief Ray Krakowski. Following some additional comments and introduction by Chief Robertson, and comments by Mayor Dave Golonski, the podium was turned over to City Manager Ken Pulskamp. He spoke about his first day in Burbank as Interim City Manager, when outgoing Interim City Manager and then Fire Chief Ray Krakowski told him he would be retiring at the end of the month. In just a couple of days, Pulskamp had to find an Interim Fire Chief. He told the guests about the process he used in finding a replacement, how he spoke to other members of the executive team, and other city employees. When he made his announcement, he knew Tom Lenahan would be the right person replacing Krakowski for years to come.
Time then came for the official badge pinning, and Lenahan’s wife, Irene, did the honors. Burbank’s new Fire Chief took to the podium. First Chief Lenahan thanked all who came for this event. He introduced his family, which included his wife, mother-in-law Arlene, daughter Katie, and sons Frank and Andy. The Chief went on to say that 2013 is turning out to be a very special year for him and his family. It marks his 30th year in public service (five with Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, and 25 with Burbank Fire) . This year also marks the Burbank Fire Department’s Centennial which will be celebrated on Fire Service Day, Saturday May 11, This year is also personally most important to the Chief, as it is his and his wife’s 30th wedding anniversary. Appropriately, the ceremony was held on Valentine’s Day.
Chief Lenahan told the group gathered, which included three former Burbank Fire Chiefs, Curtis V. Reynolds 1976 – 1990,Mike Davis 1990-2004, and Krakowski , how the Fire Department’s foundation was laid out by these former Chiefs, and he’s ready to move it forward. Lenahan also said how proud he is, whenever and wherever he goes and when everybody always talks about the Burbank Fire Department. He gave credit to the personnel that makes this a great department, and how honored he is to be the Chief of this great department.
The Chief told some great stories that most everyone in attendance who was part of the fire service family could relate to. Finally he thanked everyone for allowing him the opportunity to face the future challenges with the men and woman of The Burbank Fire Department, leading this department to new levels of excellence
Following the pomp and circumstance, the tone alerts that are sent the stations in the Verdugo Fire system, with an announcement congratulating Chief Tom Lenahan as the new Burbank Fire Chief.
