Kenney taps prisons chief, fire commissioner in Philly

Philadelphia has new leaders for its prison system and fire department.  One is homegrown and one from out of town.  

New Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Adam Thiel comes from Alexandria, Virginia, where he’s leaving as deputy public safety director.  He has a new vision for the Philadelphia Fire Department. department.

“No matter how hot the fire or how cold the weather, we work together to get things done,” said Thiel Tuesday as he was introduced by Mayor Jim Kenney.

 The mayor’s other appointment, Blanche Carney, is the first woman to lead the Philadelphia Prison System. The former deputy commissioner for restorative and transitional services, Carney said she wants to reduce the city’s prison population while offering more services to those about to be released.

 “I look forward to serving in that capacity and making the streets safer as we release people prepared,” she said.

 Carney has been working in the prison system since 1995.