Mayor Bill Haslam announced at a press conference this morning that Stan Sharp will take over as KFD Chief, replacing Robert Key who is retiring.

Press release after the jump...

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CITY OF KNOXVILLE PRESS RELEASE

Mayor Bill Haslam announced today that he has appointed Stan Sharp as the new chief of the Knoxville Fire Department.

Sharp, an assistant fire chief who currently serves as the KFD’s safety officer will begin his new duties on September 1. He replaces KFD Chief Robert Key who is retiring on that date. He had served as the chief since 2006.

"I’m excited about Stan becoming our fire chief," Haslam said. "Stan has the right mix of intelligence, work ethic, character and leadership skills to effectively lead the department through the coming years."

"I also want to thank Chief Key for the excellent job he has done for the residents of Knoxville throughout his career with the KFD," Haslam added.

Sharp, 49, joined the fire department in 1996 and rose through the ranks serving as a firefighter, senior firefighter, master firefighter and fire officer, or captain, before being promoted to assistant chief. He has been the KFD’s safety officer, overseeing all health and safety issues for the department, for the past two years.

"This is an unbelievable honor," Sharp said. "I feel so blessed and so honored to be selected to serve as chief. It’s also a very daunting task but I will do my best. I look forward to serving the citizens of Knoxville and working with the men and women of the Knoxville Fire Department to serve them."

Sharp grew up in Knoxville and graduated from Holston High School before attending the University of Tennessee where he earned his bachelor and master’s degrees. He and his wife, Ginger, have three children, including sons Isaac and Jordan, who are both in college and a daughter, Jillian, who is a student at Berean Christian School.

The Knoxville Fire Department includes more than 300 professional firefighters who provide fire protection, rescue and education services, among others, to the citizens of Knoxville. The KFD operates out of 18 stations to serve more than 100-square-mile area.

Mayor Haslam made the announcement during a press conference held at the KFD’s Headquarters Station in downtown Knoxville.