Fire Chief Steps Down After Two Decades In Upper Southampton Township

UPPER SOUTHAMPTON TOWNSHIP, PA —Another area fire chief has hung up his helmet, but this one plans to remain on active duty.

Tuesday night marked the end of the tenure of Southampton Fire Company No. 1 Fire Chief Glenn McKenney.

McKenney stepped down after more than two decades as fire chief. But, he told the department members, he's still sticking around.

"We congratulate him on his lengthy service and dedication as a chief officer in our department," the department said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. "He is the first to note, however, that he isn't retiring and will still be active with the company."

McKenney is working to transition the role to his brother, Kevin McKenney, who was elected last month.

McKenney had joined the department as a junior member and worked his way up the ranks of line officers before serving as a chief officer for 26 years, with 21 years as chief.

"Glenn continues to rank among our top responders, even for calls in the middle of the night," the department said. "It will take us some time to get used to hearing a new voice calling on the radio, 'CHIEF 2 TO BUCKS!' We thank him not only for his service on the scene but also for fulfilling the administrative responsibilities that fall onto the chief officers."

"Please join us in recognizing and commemorating Glenn's years of service and contributions to the community, Congratulations Glenn," the department said in its post.

The Lower Southampton Fire Company offered the chief congratulations and so did numerous residents on the fire department's Facebook post.

Fire Chief Pete Croak of the Enterprise Fire Company of Hatboro retired earlier this week after 35 years of service to Hatboro and neighboring Warminster Township.