Hattiesburg's mayor nominates Sherrocko Stewart for HFD chief

(The following press release and photo were submitted to MyFOX23.com from Hattiesburg City Hall.)

Hattiesburg, Mississippi -- Mayor Toby Barker announces Sherrocko Stewart as his nomination to lead the Hattiesburg Fire Department. “The Hattiesburg Fire Department has a proud history of cultivating well-trained, courteous and professional firefighters,” said Barker. “I know that Sherrocko’s leadership ability, broad skillset and military and fire service experience will help unite our department and elevate our city’s capacity to protect its residents and visitors.” Stewart brings more than 20 years of fire service experience to the Hattiesburg Fire Department, which also includes 12 years of service with the Mississippi Air National Guard where he spent two military deployments as a flight medic. Coming from the Jackson Medgar Wiley Evers International Airport Fire Department where he serves as station captain, Stewart brings a dynamic background of strategic leadership, team management and best practices and industry standards for firefighting, crash rescue techniques, first aid, fire prevention and building inspections. He also spent 10 years with the Canton Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of lieutenant. In addition to his many certifications and credentials regarding firefighting, he also holds his EMT certification. He and his wife, Angela, are from Canton, Mississippi and have three children, Lyric, Leah and Langston. Stewart’s nomination will be voted on at the Hattiesburg City Council meeting on Tuesday, June 5. If approved, his first day will be June 18. Additionally, to aid the transition of leadership, the Civil Service Commission has approved a 6-month appointment of Lt. Danny Wade as assistant fire chief. ###