AUSTIN — The Austin Fire Department's new chief said his number one goal is to make sure the AFD looks like the people it serves.
Joel Baker was sworn in on Monday, Dec. 10. Before that, he outlined his priorities to the Austin's Public Safety Commission.
Baker wants to make sure firefighters are properly trained, that they have the best equipment and that fire stations are in the right places.
But at the top of his list is staffing and diversity.
"We have to make sure that not only we hire enough workforce, but we hire a diverse workforce that reflects the community we serve," Baker said.
Baker has been a firefighter for more than 30 years. Most recently, he was the fire chief in Atlanta.
He is Austin's first African American fire chief.