CLEVELAND — Mayor Justin Bibb administered the oath of office to Anthony Luke Tuesday morning, making Luke the chief of the Cleveland Division of Fire.

Luke began his service immediately, becoming the city's 17th fire chief.

“I am thrilled that Anthony Luke will continue to serve our community in this critical role,” Bibb said in a news release. “His strong leadership, experience with change management, and his commitment to the residents of Cleveland make him the best candidate for this job.”

Luke joined the Cleveland Division of Fire on Feb. 4, 1994. His career began on Engine 7 and he has worked in various assignments. He became a lieutenant in 1997, captain in 2007, battalion chief in 2012 and assistant chief in 2017.

As assistant chief, Luke worked as chief of staff to implement numerous improvements in information technology, dispatching and communications. His last assignment was executive officer, where he handled discipline, personnel, payroll and assisted Interim Fire Chief Eric Burchak.

“We had incredible candidates to choose from and I can confidently say that the Cleveland Division of Fire has produced some great leaders,” said Chief Director of Public Safety Karrie D. Howard. “Chief Anthony Luke is one of those leaders, with the experience, vision, a strong sense of community, and a spirit of collaboration. I am excited to work with Chief Luke as the Division of Fire continues progressing towards excellence.”

Luke graduated from Bedford Senior High School in 1984 and earned an associate degree from Cuyahoga Community College. He has a certificate from the Public Management Academy at Cleveland State University and studied at the National Fire Academy in the Executive Fire Officer Program.

Luke is married and has two adult children.

“This is a great honor,” said Luke. “I thank Mayor Bibb for the opportunity to lead our great Division. I will work every day to ensure Cleveland Fire efficiently provides the highest level of service by fulfilling and expanding our mission.”