It’s always good to look around, but sometimes the best person for the job is right under your nose.

That seems to be the case with Mark Bradford, who was named Lawrence’s new fire chief on Tuesday. Bradford came to Lawrence-Douglas County Fire & Medical in 2001 after working for the International Association of Fire Chiefs and for 23 years for the city of Lee’s Summit, Mo., where he was assistant fire chief. He replaces Jim McSwain, who retired last month after 27 years as chief.

Bradford has big shoes to fill – the history of the Lawrence fire department is one of excellence and superb leadership – but his performance in recent high-profile situations indicates that he’s up to the job. Less than three weeks after McSwain’s retirement, three people were killed and dozens displaced in the Boardwalk Apartments fire. Two other fires within the next 10 days damaged a business near Eighth and Vermont and displaced five residents of a house at 1216 Tenn.

It seemed like a literal trial by fire for a department that had so recently lost its longtime leader, but each situation was handled with the efficiency and professionalism to which Lawrence has become accustomed. As acting chief, Bradford set the tone and led the department admirably through the challenging events.

Congratulations to the city for what looks like a sound hiring decision and best wishes to Bradford as he takes over as chief.