Mayor Carolyn Kirk today announced the selection of Eric Smith, currently a Deputy Chief with the Westland, Michigan Fire Department, as Chief of the Gloucester Fire Department. The announcement comes following a comprehensive search for new fire chief to lead the department.
“First and foremost I want to thank the Search Committee for their diligence in staying focused on the search and bringing the best candidates forward. Each finalist brought different strengths, and Eric Smith’s continual professional development and experience in Westland were the determining factors in the final selection decision. He is a leader in a department that covers just over 20 square miles, has triple the population, double the emergency calls, fewer employees and a similar overtime budget to the Gloucester Fire Dept while ensuring that the community’s four fire stations are open at all times.
We will learn from Deputy Chief Smith’s professionalism and distinguished record of service in the fire/EMS service, and I look forward to the city and the Fire Department warmly welcoming him and his family to Gloucester” said Mayor Kirk.
Deputy Chief Eric Smith is currently second in command of the Westland, MI Fire Department where he is responsible for comprehensive management of 70 employees, four fire stations, the department’s administrative office, training facility, and a fleet of 30 vehicles. The department is the third busiest in Wayne County Michigan with over 9700 calls for emergencies in 2011. The population of Westland is over 80,000 residents and covers 20.5 square miles.
With the department since 1991, Deputy Chief Smith has continuously risen through the ranks having held the positions of Firefighter, Sergeant, Hazmat Team Leader, Captain, Battalion Chief, and Deputy Chief. He is a licensed paramedic, served in the United States Air Force from May 1986 to January 1990 with a rank of Sergeant upon his discharge.
He also holds a Bachelors degree in Public Safety from Concordia University in Ann Arbor Michigan along with Masters of Science coursework in Technology Studies and Emergency Management from Eastern Michigan University and an Associates of Science degree in Fire Technology from Schoolcraft College in Livonia, Michigan.
Deputy Chief Smith also holds many professional certifications and was a part time Paramedic Instructor for a number of years teaching all levels of EMS education at Baker College in Westland, MI.
Deputy Chief Smith’s permanent appointment is contingent upon successful employment contract negotiations as well as confirmation by the Gloucester City Council.
Good Morning Gloucester 