Longtime Norristown Fire Chief Named Municipal Adminstrator

NORRISTOWN, PA — Longtime Norristown Fire Chief Tom O'Donnell has served his community for years as a leading emergency responder. That service will continue now in a slightly different role.

The municipal council named O'Donnell to the interim role of municipal administrator during Tuesday night's meeting. He'll replace outgoing administrator Crandall Jones, who has himself helped to lead Norristown as it reimagined itself over the past 11 years. Jones is taking on the chief administrative officer job in Upper Darby Township.

O'Donnell was an easy choice. The official resolution put before the council during the meeting stated that "Norristown Municipal Council is desirous of appointing an experience and qualified Interim City Administrator," nodding to O'Donnell's long track record of work leading the community.

The position is temporary unless the council chooses to make it permanent, or a full time replacement is chosen by the council. Such a move would likely come after a lengthy search, so O'Donnell figures to be in the position for some time.

Council approved the move 4-2 during Tuesday's meeting. O'Donnell will continue to serve as fire chief as well.