Savannah Fire Battalion Chief Edward Harris will be presented with the Chief Officer of the Year Award 7 p.m. Thursday, November 2. The award presentation will take place at the American Legion Hall, located at 1108 Bull Street in Savannah. Each year American Legion Savannah Post 135 hosts a ceremony to honor an outstanding Savannah Fire Department chief officer.

“Chief Harris was selected because of his tireless work in maintaining the readiness of his firefighters and also his unwavering support of our organizational principles and goals,” said Savannah Fire Chief Charles G. Middleton.

Harris began his career with Savannah Fire & Emergency Services in 1993. Prior to that, he served in the United States Army for 12 years. During his 24 year career as a firefighter he earned numerous certifications including National Professional Qualification (NPQ) Firefighter I and NPQ Fire Officer III. In 1995 he earned an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from Savannah Technical College. He is responsible for more than 35 personnel in five fire stations. He manages several programs, including the Public and Private Hydrant Program and he serves as the bureau’s liaison for the annual United Way of the Coastal Empire campaign.

“I became a firefighter because I enjoy helping people and firefighting struck me as a caring, helpful and professional job,” Harris said. “We are saving lives, mitigating natural and man-made disasters and helping others.”

Harris and his wife Lydia have four children – sons Janavis, Ronald and Edward Jr, and their daughter Faith.