Thanking the community for its support and belief, James Peplau announced he's leaving in mid-October as #MiddletownRI Fire Chief for a job with FEMA. An interim chief hasn't been picked yet while a permanent successor is sought in a national search.
FIRE CHIEF PEPLAU LEAVING FOR FEMA JOB
MIDDLETOWN, R.I. (SEPTEMBER 16, 2024) – Middletown is looking for a new fire chief.
On Sept. 11, James Peplau submitted a letter with the town that he was taking a job with the Federal Emergency Management Agency in Cambridge, Massachusetts. His last day is expected to be Oct. 18.
In response, local leaders thanked Peplau for his efforts to advance the Wyatt Road department and wished him well with his new position.
Town Administrator Shawn J. Brown said the job will be advertised nationally soon. Because Peplau just announced his plans, Brown said the town hadn’t had an opportunity to select an interim chief yet, but one would be named in coming days.
“Jim will be missed and he leaves the department in good shape,” Brown said. “I know working with the chief, I’ve always appreciated his attention to detail, work ethic and unwavering support for his firefighters and staff.”
Brown added with every departure, there’s an opportunity for Middletown to learn and grow with the next hire.
“Our fire chief is one of the most important roles we have in the community,” Brown said. “Jim took on a number of initiatives and was driven to make the Middletown Fire Department the best it could be.”
In his letter to Brown, Peplau wrote the move to leave Middletown Fire wasn’t an easy one.
“Though the decision seems logical, stepping away is quite difficult,” Peplau wrote. “The fire service has been a calling for me and this position, a long-sought goal to work to comprehensively address the needs of a fire department and community.”
He thanked Brown and the town for the support during his tenure. Peplau was sworn in as chief in August 2021, coming from the Waterbury Fire Department in Connecticut, where he was a battalion chief.
“I truly appreciate the trust that was placed in me as fire chief and emergency management director. I will be ever grateful for this opportunity and for your support during my tenure,” Peplau wrote.
“It has been an honor, a great privilege and a pleasure to serve on the leadership team of this community working to achieve the best outcomes for all. Middletown continues to evolve to better provide initiatives that encourage and support everyone to thrive. I will always cherish my time here and look forward to hearing about the Town as its still brighter days ahead unfold.”
Document Link: https://mdl.town/Peplau
About Middletown
The Town of Middletown is a vibrant community located on Aquidneck Island, known for its scenic beauty, historic landmarks, diverse economy and strong sense of community. For more information about all we have to offer, visit MiddletownRI.gov online.
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