City Manager to appoint Patrick Bermingham as Elmira’s next Fire Chief

After a nationwide search that drew more than 20 applicants from across the country and six regional finalists, City Manager John Burin announced today that his choice to lead the 60-member Elmira Fire Department is a local department veteran who brings 28 years of experience to the job.

Patrick Bermingham will become fire chief May 30, succeeding Gary Blitz, who is retiring May 29 after 30 years of services, the last four as chief. Bermingham’s experience, vision and leadership abilities are the right mix for moving the department forward, Burin said.

“During the interview process, we discussed at length what we believe the future of the department should be,” Burin said. “There is no doubt in my mind that Patrick is the right person to bring the department into the future.”

Burin said Bermingham’s thorough knowledge of fire and emergency medical services, his rapport with the union, and his willingness to speak his mind make him an ideal choice. The search committee – made up of Burin, Blitz, Deputy City Manager Kimberley Balok Middaugh, Chamberlain David Vandermark, Police Chief Scott Drake and Chemung County Emergency Management Director Mike Smith – agreed that Bermingham is a strong leader capable of taking on the difficult job.

“I believe one of Pat’s strongest assets is his hard-earned respect of the men and women of the department,” Burin said. “There is no doubt that Pat has the ability to motivate people and he’s known for his firmness and fairness.”

Bermingham will be the face of a department that’s working to improve its Code Department, modernize, and work with neighboring municipalities to share fire and emergency medical services.

“I believe the City is truly blessed to have such high-quality men and women serving in the Elmira Fire Department and I am humbled by the opportunity to lead them,” Bermingham said.

Mayor John Tonello said Bermingham is the type of professional Elmirans can rely on. “Pat has proven himself on the job and in a tough interview process that pitted him against some of the nation’s best,” Tonello said. “He’s a forthright professional I’ll be proud to call Chief.”

Bermingham joined the department as a firefighter in 1981 and served as a lieutenant from 1993 to 2003. He was promoted to captain in 2003 and to deputy chief in 2005. Bermingham is a fourth-generation firefighter, starting with his great grandfather, Daniel in 1906; his grandfather, John; his father John; and his uncle Tom.