Deputy Chief JULIUS “JOE” CHERRY has been named chief of the Sacramento (CA) Fire Department. He will succeed Chief Dennis Smith, who retires May 28, 2004, after 39 years of service. Cherry has 28 years experience with the department, which he entered in 1976 as a firefighter. He rose through the ranks of captain, battalion chief, and assistant chief, becoming deputy chief in 2003. Cherry holds a juris doctorate from the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law and a bachelor of science in public administration from CSU Sacramento.
FRANCIS PENDL, former chief of the Bethpage (NY) Fire Department, passed away after a two-month battle with cancer. He joined the department in 1954, rising through the ranks to become chief in 1966, serving though 1967. Most recently, he served as planning and fire prevention officer for the district and was honored for 50 years of active service. Pendl was also involved with the Nassau County Firefighters’ Museum and the Burn Center Foundation at Nassau University Medical Center.
JEFF ZACK has been named assistant to the general president for communications and media at the International Association of Fire Fighters and will serve as the chief spokesperson and main media contact for the IAFF. Previously, he was director of communications for the Association of Flight Attendants.
