YOUNGSTOWN - Youngstown Mayor-Elect Derrick McDowell has announced his picks for the city's new police and fire department chiefs.

McDowell has selected Captain Courtney Kelly as the city's new Fire Chief and Detective Sergeant Sharon Cole for the city's new Chief of Police.

Both of McDowell's picks have more than two decades of experience under their belts in the City of Youngstown, Kelly has 26 years of public safety under her belt, with 19 years in Youngstown. Meanwhile, Cole served on the Youngstown Police Department for 25 years.

Kelly will be filling the shoes of Barry Finley and Cole will be filling the shoes of Carl Davis.

"Each of these leaders brings exceptional expertise and a deep dedication to Youngstown's future. Their work will strengthen our city's foundation and will work to improve the daily lives of our neighborhoods and residences," McDowell said in a press release.

According to the Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA), Cole graduated from the University of Akron in 2001 and was hired by the Youngstown Police Department that same year. 

Cole was promoted from the rank of Police Officer to Detective Sergeant in 2017.

Kelly has been with the Youngstown Fire Department since 2006. She was promoted to Captain in 2018. She also serves as a fire instructor at Choffin Career and Technical Center. 

According to Kelly's LinkedIn page, she had served as a paramedic with LANES Lifetrans prior to her time at the Youngstown Fire Department.

These appointments were part of phase two of McDowell's appointment process. Phase three will see the appointments of the city's deputy director of public works, water commissioner, blight remediation & code enforcement, building & grounds, parks & recreation and coordinator of downtown events & special projects.

The final interviews for phase three are already underway.