Mansfield fire Chief Dan Crow sworn in Friday

Mansfield's fire Chief Dan Crow was sworn in at noon Friday at the Administration Building's ninth floor conference room before a packed crowd. A couple dozen people were left waiting in the hallway, unable to squeeze into the ceremony.

Crow, who most recently oversaw the Fire Prevention Bureau, has worked 18 years at the Mansfield Fire Department.

Mansfield Mayor Tim Theaker administered the oath of office.

Crow's daughter Isabella pinned on his badge.

"The first thing I want to do is promote the really good work our firefighters do," said Crow, standing in the conference room wearing his dress blue uniform. We've got some great men and women who are serving the city day in and day out. A lot of it goes unheralded and I just want to make sure that I'm the biggest cheerleader for the hard work they do. We have a lot of work to do as we plan for the future and make sure we're doing everything at the highest level because we know that's what you all expect."

Crow, 41, a native of the Cleveland area, in his spare time is also part of the Fun Center Chordsmen for which he sings bass.

Theaker said there were a lot of candidates interviewed.

"And there were a couple people we had back for second interviews. He stood out," Theaker said. "I think Dan is going to be an excellent fire chief and an asset to the city of Mansfield and I'm really excited that he's the one we selected."

Mansfield Fire Chief Steve Strickling retired this week, having served the city and residents for 32.5 years.

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This article originally appeared on Mansfield News Journal: New Mansfield fire chief most recently oversaw Fire Prevention Bureau