The city’s new fire chief is a three-decade veteran of the department, Mayor Linda Balzotti said Monday.
Balzotti has picked Deputy Fire Chief Richard Francis to succeed Fire Chief Kenneth Galligan, who retired last Friday.
The appointment of Francis as fire chief was slated to be confirmed by the City Council Monday night.
Francis joined the Fire Department in 1978 and began as deputy chief in 2008, Balzotti said.
Francis scored highest on the fire chief civil service exam, which was followed by an interview with Balzotti.
“He has a real commitment and passion for his department,” the mayor said. “He’s also very willing and able to work with me as a team. That was important to me.”
Francis could not be reached for comment Monday.
It is the first appointment of a new city department head by Balzotti, who took office in January.
Kyle Alspach may be reached at kalspach@enterprisenews.com.
