COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Six days after being nominated to Fire Chief of the Colorado Springs Fire Department, Richard Brown was officially sworn in Tuesday.

Brown replaces Steve Cox, who officially announced his retirement Wednesday but will continue to serve under Mayor Steve Bach as chief of economic vitality and innovation.

"A fire chief needs 3 attributes: leadership, operational experience and education," Cox said. "Rich has those. People are drawn to him."

Brown has been with the department for almost 30 years and was serving as interim chief prior to his promotion. City Councilmembers had to officially approve Brown, which they did unanimously and to a standing ovation at their Tuesday afternoon meeting.

"You possess passion and compassion," City Council President Scott Hente said. "The mayor has made an excellent choice. We look forward to your leadership for a long time."

Brown thanked Bach and the council for the nomination and approval.

"It means the world to me. I have brutal shoes to fill," he said to Cox.

Bach and the council thanked Brown for his service to the city.

"He will be a great leader for the community," Bach said.

Brown's daughter Madison pinned his new badge on him, and he cried as he thanked his family.