The City of Tacoma held a swearing-in ceremony Friday afternoon for Tacoma Fire Chief James P. Duggan.

A Tacoma native, Duggan began his career over 29 years ago as a firefighter with the department. He served as assistant chief of the department’s emergency medical services division for six years, before being appointed to the role of interim chief by City Manager T.C. Broadnax. Former fire chief Ronald W. Stephens retired earlier this year after 35 years with the department. Duggan assumed command of his current role as Tacoma Fire Chief when Broadnax appointed him to the permanent position on Sept. 27.

Duggan is Tacoma’s 21st fire chief.