The chief of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) in Birmingham, Alabama is Cory D. Moon. Chief Moon was appointed to the position in April 2021 after serving as interim fire chief starting in January 2021.
Background on Chief Cory D. Moon
Cory D. Moon first joined the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service in 1994. He rose through the ranks over his career, serving as driver, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, division chief, deputy chief, and assistant chief before becoming interim chief in January 2021.
Some key facts about Chief Moon:
- He is a 27-year veteran of BFRS.
- He holds a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration from Athens State University.
- He is originally from Birmingham and graduated from Ramsay High School.
- Prior to joining BFRS, he served in the U.S. Army.
During his time with BFRS, Chief Moon has taken on various leadership roles and overseen important initiatives and changes within the department. Some of his accomplishments include:
- Overseeing the transition to a new computer-aided dispatch system.
- Leading training programs on hazardous materials response.
- Coordinating recruitment and promotional processes.
- Developing a firefighter wellness program focused on cancer prevention.
As interim chief starting in January 2021, Chief Moon focused on modernizing BFRS through new technology and equipment. He also emphasized diversity within the department and community outreach efforts.
Appointment as Fire Chief
In April 2021, the city of Birmingham officially appointed Cory Moon as chief of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service. The appointment was made by Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin.
In a statement, Mayor Woodfin praised Chief Moon’s dedication to public service and his knowledge of all aspects of fire and rescue operations. The mayor expressed confidence that Chief Moon would provide strong leadership for BFRS.
Chief Moon said he was honored by the appointment and looked forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Birmingham. He thanked Mayor Woodfin along with members of the Birmingham City Council for having confidence in his leadership.
The chief’s annual salary was set at $165,000 per year as part of his official appointment. This was an increase from his prior salary as an assistant chief.
Duties and Responsibilities as Fire Chief
As head of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, Chief Cory Moon has extensive responsibilities including:
- Leading and managing over 800 sworn and civilian BFRS employees.
- Overseeing departmental operations, budgets, policies, and procedures.
- Coordinating with other city departments and agencies.
- Engaging with the community and communicating about department initiatives.
- Developing long-term strategic plans for BFRS.
- Ensuring proper training and development of personnel.
- Promoting firefighter safety and wellness programs.
On a daily basis, Chief Moon oversees BFRS operations across 38 fire stations that serve the city of Birmingham. He works out of the department’s headquarters at 1725 3rd Avenue South.
Some of Chief Moon’s other specific duties include:
- Directing all fire suppression, prevention, emergency medical, hazardous materials, and rescue operations.
- Coordinating emergency response planning and disaster preparedness.
- Enforcing building codes and fire regulations.
- Overseeing apparatus, equipment, and facility maintenance.
- Reviewing incident reports and analyzing performance metrics.
- Developing the annual BFRS budget and managing expenditures.
- Hiring and promotion of BFRS personnel.
Major Initiatives and Priorities
Since becoming chief in 2021, Cory Moon has focused on several key initiatives aimed at improving BFRS capabilities and better serving Birmingham’s citizens, including:
Increasing Staffing
Chief Moon has emphasized the need to increase firefighter staffing levels that had declined due to budget cuts and attrition over the past decade. His target is to increase frontline staffing by at least 50 firefighters.
Enhancing Training
The chief has implemented expanded professional development and training programs on the latest firefighting practices and gear. There is increased training on hazardous materials and technical rescue response.
Diversifying Leadership
Chief Moon has focused on diversifying BFRS leadership at the officer ranks, including through recruitment and promotion of women and minority firefighters into leadership roles.
Improving Safety and Wellness
New firefighter health and safety initiatives have been instituted under Chief Moon such as cancer screening programs and enhanced mental health resources.
Increasing Community Outreach
More emphasis has been placed on community engagement and public education through school programs, station tours, and partnerships with local organizations.
Upgrading Equipment and Technology
Chief Moon has overseen investments in upgraded equipment and new technology such as thermal imaging cameras, power stretchers, and improved data analytics software.
Response to Major Events
Chief Cory Moon has led Birmingham Fire and Rescue through response to several major fires and other emergencies over the past two years. Some notable incidents include:
- January 2022 apartment fire – A massive fire destroyed an apartment building under construction in downtown Birmingham, requiring response from around 100 BFRS firefighters. Chief Moon coordinated the multi-hour battle against the blaze in freezing temperatures.
- April 2022 chemical plant fire – An explosion and fire erupted at a chemical plant north of Birmingham. Chief Moon directed hazmat teams and coordinated with other agencies in the large-scale response.
- May 2022 flooding – Severe storms dumped heavy rain that caused extensive flooding in Birmingham. Fire crews under Chief Moon conducted dozens of high-water rescues as roads and homes were inundated.
In these major incidents and other emergencies, Chief Moon has been hands-on in leading BFRS teams and communicating with the public and media to provide updates.
Approach to Leadership
Chief Cory Moon has developed a reputation as a progressive, innovative fire service leader in Birmingham. Some of the hallmarks of his leadership approach include:
- Collaborative – He works closely with labor unions, city officials, and community groups to make decisions.
- Transparent – He is open about department policies and operations.
- Judgement-focused – He makes decisions based on data, analysis, and facts.
- Communicative – He emphasizes clear communication internally and externally.
- Technologically driven – He incorporates new technology and data analysis throughout the department.
- Supportive – He advocates for providing firefighters the tools and training they need.
Chief Moon has strived to be visible and accessible to BFRS members while also being willing to make tough choices when necessary. He meets regularly with firefighter associations and labor union leaders to hear their perspectives.
Perspectives on Chief Moon’s Leadership
Chief Cory Moon has earned general praise from Birmingham city officials, BFRS members, labor unions, and community members for his leadership of the fire department over the past two years. Some specific perspectives include:
- Mayor Randall Woodfin – “Chief Moon brings a fresh energy and new ideas to the department while respecting its traditions. He has my full confidence.”
- BFRS Battalion Chief – “The chief is very approachable and willing to listen. He sets clear expectations but also supports our needs.”
- Birmingham firefighter union VP – “We don’t always agree, but the chief has an open-door policy. He’s putting the department on the right track.”
- Editorial in Birmingham News – “Chief Moon has ably led the fire department through challenges. He represents a new generation of diverse, reform-minded leadership.”
While facing budget constraints and other obstacles, Chief Moon is generally given high marks for his open, progressive leadership approach and his focus on safety, diversity, and increasing community trust in BFRS.
Biography and Background Before Becoming Fire Chief
Cory D. Moon was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. He came from a family of first responders – his father was a Birmingham firefighter for over 25 years.
Chief Moon attended Birmingham City Schools, graduating from Ramsay High School in 1986. He was active in sports and school clubs, serving as president of the Key Club community service organization.
After high school, Moon attended Jefferson State Community College. He worked in construction jobs before enlisting in the U.S. Army in 1989 at age 20.
Moon served over 4 years in the Army, stationed in Germany and deploying to the Middle East during the Gulf War. He earned recognition for his service, leaving the Army in 1994 having attained the rank of staff sergeant.
Following his military service, Cory Moon fulfilled his goal of becoming a firefighter in his hometown. He joined the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service in August 1994 at age 25.
Moon’s first assignment was at Fire Station 17. He progressed through the ranks, being promoted to driver, then lieutenant, and later captain while continuing to advance his education. He earned an associate degree in fire science and a bachelor’s degree in public safety administration.
Key positions held by Chief Moon on his way up the leadership ladder in BFRS included:
- Captain – Led firefighters at stations across the city, managed equipment and operations.
- Battalion Chief – Commanded a battalion of fire companies on a shift, coordinated emergency response.
- Division Chief – Oversaw training division, managed recruit academy and professional development programs.
- Deputy Chief – Assisted in commanding all frontline operations, developing policy.
- Assistant Chief – Held various roles as part of executive command staff.
In January 2021, Cory Moon was appointed as interim fire chief, replacing the retiring chief. Three months later in April 2021, he was officially named as chief of the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service by Mayor Randall Woodfin.
Personal Life and Interests
Chief Cory Moon resides in the Birmingham area with his family. He and his wife Sloan have been married over 25 years and have two adult children.
Outside of his work with the fire department, Chief Moon enjoys spending time with his family and being active in the community. Some of his personal interests and hobbies include:
- Playing golf and tennis.
- Exercise – running, weightlifting, cycling.
- Attending church and men’s bible study.
- Cooking out and grilling.
- Reading nonfiction and leadership books.
- Watching and playing sports – football, baseball, basketball.
- Spending time outdoors – hunting, fishing, hiking.
Chief Moon stays involved in various community and civic organizations in Birmingham. He serves on the boards of local charities and participates in fundraising events supporting causes like children’s hospitals and cancer research.
At BFRS events and in speaking engagements, Chief Moon often brings up his family and talks about firefighting being a “family tradition” for him. He aims to have a positive influence both within the fire department and in the larger Birmingham community.
Historical Role and Leadership of Birmingham Fire Chiefs
The Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service traces its history back over 120 years. It was founded in 1895 after a series of major fires devastated Downtown Birmingham in the late 1800s. Below are some key historical notes about past BFRS chiefs who set the foundation for the department:
- John Teague (1895-1907) – The first BFRS chief, he organized the paid professional department with five stations and brought standards to operations.
- Robert Ray (1907-1946) – Led BFRS through enormous growth as Birmingham expanded. He added dozens of new stations, equipment, and training programs.
- James Cooley (1946-1973) – Oversaw implementation of modern technology like telecommunications systems and breathing apparatus for firefighters in BFRS during his long tenure.
- John Werth (1973-1980) – Worked to expand diversity and recruit Black firefighters in BFRS during the civil rights era. He created the firefighters union IAFF Local 117.
Previous chiefs made progress in areas like diversifying the department, improving emergency response capabilities, and growing community outreach programs. Chief Moon continues working in their tradition while also bringing a 21st century mindset to incorporate new technology and data-driven decisions.
As the leader of a department that responds to tens of thousands of emergency calls annually, the Birmingham fire chief carries immense responsibilities. Chief Moon relies on over a century’s worth of growth and progress in BFRS while aiming to implement modernization to better protect life and property in Alabama’s largest city.
In Conclusion
Chief Cory D. Moon is a dedicated fire service veteran leading the Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service into the future. With nearly 30 years in BFRS and ascending to the chief role in 2021, he brings extensive experience along with a collaborative, reform-minded leadership approach.
Chief Moon has focused on increasing staffing, enhancing training programs, diversifying leadership, and improving firefighter safety since taking the helm. He has capably led BFRS through response to several major emergencies over the past two years.
While budget constraints remain an obstacle, Chief Moon is credited with transparent, communicative leadership as he implements important initiatives. With strong community ties given his local roots, Chief Moon represents a new generation guiding Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service.