Plano Fire Chief Brian Crawford accepted a position as Shreveport, Louisiana's chief administrative officer. He begins his new position Jan. 27.

Plano will conduct a national search for the next fire chief, according to a press release.

Plano City Manager Bruce Glasscock, Assistant City Manager LaShon Ross and Crawford will meet later this week to discuss appointing an interim chief before Crawford leaves, city spokesperson Steve Stoler said.

Crawford began working for Plano's fire department after spending 28 years in Shreveport serving as a firefighter and eventually fire chief and assistant chief administrator. His experience includes emergency management during hurricanes Katrina, Gustav and Ike.

During his two years in Plano, Crawford implemented a medical priority dispatch system, which helps the department's emergency medical services determine who and what to send to emergencies. He also started a pilot project called Community Paramedic program, which helps patients manage their medical conditions.

Two new rescue squads were also added to two fire stations to increase EMS response.

"In the two years since joining [the Plano Fire Department], much has been accomplished to re-establish the organization as the premier fire service in the country," Crawford said in a statement. "That is because of the membership, and not me as fire chief. I simply created the environment that allowed them to succeed by trusting and empowering all members to reach, strive for, and never settle for anything less than their very best."