Mayor Bobby Bright has done it again. He has appointed a highly qualified African American to a high profile position. First there was Michael Briddell as one of his executive assistants, then there was Art Baylor as Police Chief and now, Deputy Fire Chief Miford Jordan as Fire Chief. I am highly impressed. Our beloved Mayor Bobby Bright has no problem in finding qualified blacks. Chief Jordon has more than 20 years experience with the fire department. Sixteen people applied for the job. There were 11 finalists, seven from within the Montgomery Fire Department and Miford Jordon clearly stood out as the best possible choice. 

Jordan, 44 was appointed as Fire Chief after a two-month nationwide search. He had served as acting chief for the last two months, since the retirement of former chief John McKee. For Miford Jordon this is a dream come true. 

I met Chief Miford Jordon at Gold’s Gym twenty years ago. We have had many great conversations. He is a wonderful guy! I always knew that Miford Jordon would be Fire Chief. Chief Jordon is a native of Fort Deposit, Alabama. He is married to the lovely Carolyn and they have an adult daughter, Andrea, age twenty-three. 

Chief Jordan says that he will “continue to enforce National fire safety standards.” He is happiest when there are no fires. This is a watershed moment for our city. HAPPY NEW YEAR! 

In the words of my dad, Dr. Melvin J. Griffin Sr.: “your future is bigger than your current situation!”

Greg Griffin is a free lance writer. You can read his previous articles by visiting his web page at www.greggriffin.com or write to him at P.O. Box 250194 Montgomery, Alabama 36125-0194.