New Fire Chief Named for New Rochelle

The City of New Rochelle is hiring from within to fill the soon-to-be-vacant post of fire chief.

Deputy Chief Louis M. DiMeglio, a 38-year veteran of the New Rochelle Fire Department, was chosen to replace Raymond "Doc" Kiernan as fire chief.

City Manager Charles Strome made the announcement Thursday.

"I look forward to working closely with Chief DiMeglio," Strome said, "and believe he will maintain and enhance the reputation of the New Rochelle Fire Department as being the finest in the state of New York."

Kiernan also served as fire commissioner. Strome said that position will not be filled.

DiMeglio rose through the ranks in the department, starting in 1973 as a probationary firefighter. He was made fire lieutenant in 1982 and fire captain in 1989. He became code enforcement officer in 1996, overseeing such projects as , , New Roc City, and Trump Plaza.

He was promoted to deputy chief in 2007 and was put in charge of purchases and apparatus maintenance. He also supervised the department's Training and Safety divisions.

DiMeglio was transferred to active fire duty in 2009 as shift commander and served as incident commander at emergencies.

Kiernan, who is retiring effective July 31 and whose 45 years of service was celebrated at a , said he was pleased about the choice.

"He is a longtime and valued member, and has served in various facets of the department," Kiernan said. "He is highly regarded in professional circles and in the community. I am comforted to know that the department I love will be left in such good hands."

DiMeglio has obtained numerous Fire Academy certifications and has a degree in applied science in respiratory therapy. He is a board member and secretary of the New Rochelle Chamber of Commerce.