Its Official: Westfield Has A New Fire Chief

WESTFIELD, NJ – After a little over two months on the job, Anthony Tiller removed "acting" from his title on Monday, ascending to permanent Westfield Fire Chief.

Town Administrator Jim Gildea made the recommendation, which received the consent of Mayor Shelley Brindle and the unanimous approval of the Town Council.

“Chief Tiller is a superb public servant whose exceptional character, experience and commitment are tremendous assets to Westfield,” said Brindle. “I am thrilled to announce this well-deserved appointment of one of Westfield’s own, and am confident his values reflect those of our outstanding Fire Department and the community at large.”

Tiller succeeds Chief of the Westfield Fire Department David Kelly, who retired after nearly 27 on the job in May.

“It’s an honor to accept this role and to be entrusted by the Mayor and Town Council to lead the dedicated public servants in our Fire Department,” said Tiller. “I remain committed to upholding the highest standards of performance and integrity, and continuing to build upon our community engagement with the residents of Westfield.”

Tiller joined the Westfield Fire Department as a volunteer in 1993, and was
appointed as a paid firefighter in 1997. He was subsequently promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2004, Battalion Chief in 2015, and Deputy Chief in 2016 prior to being named Acting Fire Chief in March 2019. During his three years as Deputy Chief, Tiller was involved in every aspect of fire department operations for both emergency and non-emergency events. Previously, Tiller also worked for the Westfield Department of Public Works as a Laborer from 1994 through 1997.

Tiller also currently holds the position of Fire Official for the Town of Westfield, responsible for supervision of the Fire Prevention Bureau, as well as scheduling and conducting inspections in accordance with the Uniform Fire Safety Act of New Jersey.

In addition to his duties with the Town of Westfield, Chief Tiller had been an Instructor in the Union County Fire Academy from 2007 to 2016. He is a 1986 graduate of Westfield High School and resides in Town.

Tiller was ceremonially sworn in by Brindle Monday, and will be formally sworn in for the public at the next Town Council meeting on Tuesday, July 9.

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