Lesniak Named New Director of Fire Services at Montgomery Township

The former Warrington Township Director of Fire Services is now the Montgomery Township Director of Fire Services.

Richard “Rick” Lesniak, of Springfield Township, was sworn in Monday night by supervisors as the Director of Fire Services, Fire Marshal and Emergency Preparedness Director.

“It presents itself as a unique and good challenge,” said Lesniak of the reason he pursued the position at Montgomery Township. “I know several of the firefighters here in the township and knowing and the fire company, it seemed like a good fit.”

Lesniak fills the position

Since 2007, Lesniak served as the director of fire, inspections and emergency services and emergency management coordinator for Warrington Township.

From 1997 to 2007, he was fire marshal and code enforcement officer and a deputy emergency management coordinator for Springfield Township.

Lesniak is at present a captain and EMT with the Oreland Vol. Fire Co. and a part-time firefighter with Horsham Fire Co.

From 1994 to 1996, he was a firefighter and EMT with Bryn Athyn Fire Co. From 1996 to 1997, he was a firefighter with Centre Square Fire Co.

“Rick has an extensive background in municipal government having served in management and fire service positions for 13 years,” said supervisors Chairman Robert Birch.

Lesniak is certified by the National Fire Prevention Association in fire inspection and plan examination, fire investigation, public fire and life safety education and fire service instruction. He is also a certified emergency management coordinator.

Lesniak also serves as a member of the Montgomery County Fire Incident Support Team.

As far as educational background, Lesniak graduated with a bachelor’s of science in management and a master’s degree in public safety from St. Joseph’s University. He earned an associate’s degree in applied science from Montgomery County Community College.

“He has attended numerous fire service training courses including the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute for Fire Inspector Certification and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program.”

The board voted unanimously 4-0 – with Supervisor Mike Fox absent from the meeting – to appoint Lesniak to his new positions, effective Monday.

“The entire board is impressed by the St. Joe’s degree,” said supervisor Joe Walsh, garnering laughs from the audience.

Birch took a jab at Lesniak’s new duties and his other off-duty jobs.

“The question is, what do you do in your spare time?” said Birch.

Walsh said there were many great candidates for the position.

“We appreciate everyone expressing an interest,” Walsh said. “We’re thrilled to have you and we wish you the best.”

Lesniak said he was still taking in a lot of information on his first day, but he has set at least one goal for the fire department.

“(I want to) continue the good work that the previous director had established and work with Chief (Chris) Mann to protect the residents and visitors of Montgomery Township.”