Elizabethtown-Kitley Appoints Mike Rowntree as New Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Prevention Officer

New Dublin – The Township of Elizabethtown-Kitley has announced the appointment of Mike Rowntree as their new Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Prevention Officer.

He will assume his role in early April.

In a press release it said that Rowntree, a township native brings a wealth of knowledge and a modern leadership style, that aligns with the Township’s strategic vision, from his role in the private sector and his almost 10 years of dedicated service to Elizabethtown-Kitley Fire & Emergency Services (EKFD).

“I would like to congratulate Captain Rowntree on his upcoming appointment to Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Prevention Officer of our esteemed fire department. I look forward to welcoming Captain Rowntree to his new role. I know he will be an invaluable asset to the residents of Elizabethtown-Kitley and future generations of firefighters for many years to come,” said Fire Chief Jeff Sargent.

Rowntree has been a volunteer member of EKFD since 2015 and became a Captain in 2020. During this time, he has provided dedicated service to the community and is inspired to continue contributing to a team that works together to achieve a prosperous and sustainable community. He is committed to enhancing and prioritizing the fire safety portfolio to ensure we create a safer environment for everyone in our community. the release said.

“Thank you to CAO Drynan, Chief Sargent, Council and our members for placing trust in me for this role. Born and raised in this community, I am proud to take on a leadership position to continue success for the fire service and Township,” said Rowntree. “I look forward to fostering new and existing relationships throughout the community with fire prevention and education as a primary objective.”

“I am very proud of EKFD’s renewed commitment to fire prevention, public education, community safety and wellbeing,” said CAO/Clerk Leslie Drynan. “Under the leadership of Chief Jeff Sargent our fire department has made tremendous strides forward in the past few months, both from an operational and workplace culture perspective. We are truly fortunate to be able to benefit from Captain Rowntree’s calm empathetic servant leadership style, his technical trade background including code and legislative compliance, his keen and passionate interest in serving his community as well as his well-rounded knowledge of the fire service. He is pure joy in human form; such a well-deserving promotion.”

The Deputy Fire Chief/Fire Prevention Officer will assist the Fire Chief in the overall leadership, management, and administration of the Fire Department. This position is responsible for several programs focused on the achievement of day-to-day operations and strategic objectives including the provision of public education concerning fire safety and fire prevention, fire code enforcement, health and safety, emergency management and response, project management and assist with fire investigations.