Mayor Bill Haslam announced today the appointment of Carlos Perez as chief of the Knoxville Fire Department.

"The city of Knoxville and its citizens will be well served by the depth and breadth of experience Chief Perez brings to the Knoxville Fire Department," said Mayor Haslam. "He is a proven leader in such critical areas as fire suppression and emergency medical services, and is a tested administrator versed in strategic planning, personnel and operational management."

Chief Perez joined the Miami-Dade County Fire Rescue Department in 1970 as a firefighter and was promoted through the ranks, holding progressively more responsible positions including lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, division chief, executive assistant fire chief and director of trauma services.

After his retirement from Miami-Dade, he served as chief of DeKalb County Fire Rescue and deputy director of the Cherokee County Fire-Emergency Management Agency. Both agencies are located in the Atlanta area.

"I have heard many good things about the men and women of the Knoxville Fire Department, and know that we share the goal of giving our citizens security in the knowledge they have one of the best-trained, professional fire departments in the state," Chief Perez stated. "I look forward to working with them to build the finest fire department possible."

Chief Perez will begin his new position on Dec. 6. He and his wife, Vicki, have an adult daughter, Delia.

The Knoxville Fire Department employs more than 300 firefighters who provide fire protection, first-response and other services to a 100-square mile area. The department's annual budget is $25.7 million.