Jack Pesha Named Ferndale Fire Chief
(City of Ferndale, Sept. 29, 2019)
Ferndale, MI- Ferndale City Manager Joseph Gacioch has announced that Fire Marshal Jack Pesha has been named the new Fire Chief for the City of Ferndale.
Pesha is a 19-year veteran of the Ferndale Fire Department, serving as Firefighter/Paramedic, Fire Marshal, and most recently as the Department’s Interim Fire Chief. Pesha has held the interim role since April, following the retirement of the City’s longtime Fire Chief, Kevin Sullivan.
The announcement comes after a thorough and rigorous national recruitment effort—typical of executive leadership positions within the City. After interviewing the top candidates identified in the national search, the panel unanimously agreed that Pesha was the best individual to assume the Department’s top leadership position.
“In addition to his twenty years of experience in firefighting and prevention, emergency medical response, and investigative training, Jack brings the value of organizational knowledge,” said Gacioch. “He’s aware of the Department’s strengths and challenges, he’s highly regarded by his team, and I’m confident that he will lead our Fire Department forward with integrity, inspiration, and excellence.
Pesha brings to the position more than two decades of high-level experience, including:
~Serving as a Hazardous Materials Paramedic for the OAKWAY South Oakland County emergency response team;
~Providing formalized trainings and education for Fire Department staff;
~Working as an emergency room paramedic;
~Investigating more than 50 fires as an Inspector;
~Serving on the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC); and more.
As he moves into his new role, Pesha plans to continue the Fire Department’s recent focus on community engagement. “I’m looking forward to building on the relationships I’ve developed with citizens and business owners, continuing our investment in the safety of Ferndale’s special events, and finding new opportunities to work with and engage the community,” Pesha said. “I’m honored by the community’s trust, and thankful for this opportunity.”