Mayor Kenney Tabs New Fire And Prisons Commissioners
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- After three months of searching and vetting, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney is ready to announce his choice for Fire Commissioner and Prisons Commissioner.
Kenney conducted national searches for both jobs and turned up a newcomer for the fire department and an insider for the prisons system, but one who worked on the transition back to the community.
For Fire Commissioner, Kenney-- the son of a Philadelphia firefighter, has selected Adam Thiel, the former fire chief in Alexandria, Virginia and, more recently, that state's Deputy Homeland Security Secretary.
For prisons, the mayor has chosen Blanche Carney, a 21-year-veteran of the prison system who has been serving as Deputy Commissioner for Restorative and Transitional Services.
Carney will replace Acting Prisons Commissioner Mike Resnick, who took over the system following the retirement of Louis Giorla in January.
Kenney's office says he'll officially announce his picks on Tuesday.
That still leaves the Human Services Commissioner position unfilled three months into office. Sources familiar with that search say it's been difficult t find qualified candidates to take on the challenges of Philadelphia's child welfare system.
