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Al J. Everett was appointed Acting Fire Chief of the Mount Vernon Fire Department on February 28, 2003. He heads a fire department with 143 members protecting the lives and property of a city with a population of over 68,000 situated in an area of only 4 square miles. Chief Everett's career spans more than 24 years as a fire service professional.

Chief Everett's entire career has been with the Mount Vernon Fire Department, starting back in January of 1980. During this period he has held positions as firefighter, lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. His experience has included both staff positions (Head of Fire Prevention Bureau-3 years) and the remaining years as a line supervisor and deputy chief in fire suppression.

Chief Everett is a big proponent of education and is continually attending courses at the National Fire Academy , the New York State Fire Academy and most recently courses given by DHS (Deptartment Of Homeland Security.) In addition to a Bachelor of Science Degree in Economics from Hofstra University , the Chief plans to complete work on his Masters of Public Administration from John Jay College .

He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the New York State Career Chief's Association, and the National Fire Protection Association; he serves on both the Westchester County Fire Advisory Board and the Westchester County Arson Task Force. He is a former member of the Mount Vernon City School Board where he served a budget chairman for a two hundred million dollar district.