After Nearly Four Decades, Summit’s Fire Chief Is Retiring

SUMMIT, NJ — Summit Fire Chief Eric Evers will retire on July 2, marking the end of a 38-year career with the Summit Fire Department, according to city officials.

The announcement was made on Wednesday, when the City of Summit shared news of Evers’ upcoming retirement.

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Officials said Evers has played a key role in leading fire operations and emergency response in the city throughout his decades of service, often working alongside the Summit Police Department, the Summit Volunteer First Aid Squad, and other local and regional agencies.

“Serving as your fire chief has been the highlight of my career,” Evers said. “I am proud of what we accomplished over the past several years, including making staffing a top priority and the design, development, and completion of our new, state-of-the-art fire station.”

He added that his focus throughout his leadership was centered on safety for both firefighters and residents.

“Behind every decision during my time as chief was the goal to increase resident and firefighter safety, while continuing to serve the community with bravery, dedication, and professionalism,” Evers said.

Evers began his career with the department in 1987 as a volunteer firefighter and became a career firefighter in 1990. He later served in several leadership roles, including lieutenant, battalion chief, deputy chief, and fire official before becoming chief in 2015.

According to the city, he also served in emergency management-related roles and participated in statewide firefighter initiatives during his tenure.

Summit Mayor Elizabeth Fagan praised Evers’ decades of service and leadership, saying his impact will be felt long after his retirement.

“His dedication to fire safety and professional excellence leave a lasting legacy, and we will miss him dearly,” Fagan said. “City staff and residents have benefitted greatly from his exemplary leadership as chief and his impact on our city will be felt for years to come.”

During his time as chief, Evers oversaw staffing increases in the department and supported the long-running effort to replace and upgrade the city’s firehouse, which opened in 2024.

Evers said completing the new firehouse was one of his key goals during his leadership, particularly its upgraded safety and training features.

“The facility’s upgraded features, especially the decontamination equipment, will have a lasting impact on the health and safety of our firefighters,” he said.

City officials said a succession plan is currently being developed, and more information about the next fire chief will be announced in the coming weeks.