PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Erin Janssens has been sworn in as Portland’s first female fire chief.
The 48-year-old Janssens succeeds John Klum, who is retiring after 34 years with the bureau.
At Tuesday’s ceremony, Janssens downplayed the significance of being the city’s first female chief, saying it’s simply an honor to have the job.
Janssens was hired as a firefighter in 1988 and has been promoted through the ranks.
She was appointed fire marshal in 2009.
Janssens says she wants to continue focusing on fire prevention while making sure the response is excellent when a fire does occur.
