Sam Mitrano has been a deputy fire chief for five years before filling in as interim fire chief for the last seven months, overseeing the department's nearly 500 employees.

City council confirmed his appointment unanimously.

"To reach it, it is the most rewarding thing I've accomplished in my career and I'm very proud to be the head of this department," Mitrano said.

Mitrano has been with the department for more than 25 years.