Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson announced the departure of Deputy Mayor, B.R. Lane, who will be pursuing a specific opportunity in the public sector that will be announced later this month.
In discussing Lane’s departure, Freeman-Wilson noted, “B. R. has played a key role as a member of Team Gary and in our efforts to revitalize our city. The mentor in me is excited about the opportunity this presents. The mayor in me is sorry to see her go. We are grateful for her sacrifice, hard work and commitment to this great city and wish her the very best in her new role."
Lane joined the New Day administration at its inception and worked to facilitate economic development initiatives and served as a liaison with the federal, state, and county government. Proving herself an able advocate for the advancement of the city, B R. was appointed as interim director of the Gary/Chicago International Airport to lead the organization through several critical events including the public-private partnership with AFCO/AvPorts and the inaugural bond offering that provided the financing necessary to complete the 8,900 foot Runway Expansion/Railroad Relocation Project.
“I want to thank all of my friends, family and partners in Gary, throughout Northwest Indiana, and across the entire state for the tremendous experience and opportunity to serve in my hometown,” said Lane. “I am truly grateful for Mayor Karen Freeman-Wilson’s leadership, guidance and friendship. Gary always has been and will be home.”
Freeman-Wilson has no plans to replace Lane until after the May primary election.
The Mayor also announced the retirement of Fire Chief Teresa Everett, who is retiring after 3 years in the post. Paul Bradley has been appointed the new fire chief. Everett led the Gary Fire Department during a period of challenges regarding salaries, equipment and personnel changes. Mayor Freeman-Wilson expressed her gratitude for Everett’s commitment.
“I would like to thank Chief Everett for her service and wish her well in her retirement,” said Freeman-Wilson. “I anticipate that her extensive knowledge of the fire service will cause many to call upon her expertise.”
“I appreciate the opportunity to have served the citizens of Gary and the Gary Fire Department,” said Everett. “The Gary Fire Department has faced many challenges, and I am certain it will continue to be a vital fire and emergency medical response organization in Northwest Indiana.”
Newly appointed Fire Chief Paul Bradley is a native of Gary and joined the Gary Fire Department in 1991. Most recently, he served as Assistant Chief of Training in the department’s Supportive Services branch.
Freeman-Wilson indicated that Bradley’s appointment as fire chief is a huge step forward for Team Gary.
“He has demonstrated a commitment to safety and to the people of Gary during his tenure with the Gary Fire Department,” said Freeman-Wilson. “I am confident he will serve as an exceptional leader for the department.”
Bradley thanked the Mayor for her vote of confidence and pledged to use his experience and best judgment to lead the men and women in his charge to make the Gary Fire Department a world class organization.
“Our top priority is to ensure the safety of the men and women in this outstanding department and all of the residents of Gary,” said Bradley. “I am honored to have been chosen by the Mayor for this position, and I am committed to providing a safe, efficient and ethical environment where we work together as a team.”
The Gary Fire Department is comprised of nearly 200 fire professionals and responds to more than 26,000 yearly requests.