Cmdr. Jim Breen Is Veteran of Katrina, 9/11

Mayor-elect R.J. Berry has tapped Cmdr. Jim Breen as new fire chief, the Journal has learned. Officials are expected to announce the appointment at a news conference in about a half-hour.

Breen is Batallion Commander for AFD's District 3, the busiest in the city.

For more, pick up a copy of tomorrow's Journal.

Here is the transition team's announcement:

Mayor-Elect Berry Taps Battalion Commander for Fire Chief

ALBUQUERQUE, NM - November 24, 2009 - Mayor-elect Richard J. Berry today named veteran firefighter and rescue worker James Breen as Fire Chief.

Breen has been an Albuquerque firefighter since 1990 and most recently was responsible for the Albuquerque Fire Department's second battalion, the city's busiest. Before becoming a battalion commander, Breen was in charge of AFD's heavy rescue program and commanded Fire Station No. 3 located on Girard SE. He was also an instructor at the city's Fire Academy.

Breen is nationally recognized as an expert in confined rescue operations and was an instructor for the National Fire Protection Association. In 2005, Breen was deployed to New Orleans to assist in rescue efforts following Hurricane Katrina. He led New Mexico Task Force 1, which was responsible for the evacuation, rescue and medical treatment for hundreds of flood victims. His task force was also deployed to the Pentagon following the attacks on September 11, 2001.

Prior to becoming a firefighter, Breen was a member of the United States Air Force where he served as a pararescue technician, a military policeman and a narcotics canine handler.

"James Breen is the perfect example of what being a firefighter and a hero is all about," Berry said. "In his career, he has helped save hundreds of lives and as fire chief he will be instrumental in saving more."

Berry said he selected Breen after the veteran firefighter met with him and outlined several goals for the department, including ways to generate revenue for AFD. Breen also wants to reinstate AFD's re-inspection program and develop a direct line of communication between the city council and fire department.