New Fire Chief Will Bring Change to the Department

Maplewood Deputy Mayor Fred Profeta is bullish on the newly appointed fire chief Joseph Richardella. Profeta praised Richardella’s local roots—the new chief is a 27-year veteran of the department and a Columbia High School graduate—and commitment to the township.

“He has a genuine enthusiasm and love for his job that is obvious to anyone who speaks to him about it,” Profeta said in an email to Patch.

Richardella, who was picked as the new Chief by the Township Committee on Monday, March 23, replaces Chief Dennis Carragher, who stepped down early as part of an effort to avoid layoffs in the fire department. Profeta said to expect forward-looking changes to the department under Richardella’s stead.

“Joe is also committed to enhancing mutual aid responses, exploring shared services with other jurisdictions, and redoubling efforts to hire more minority and female firefighters,” Profeta said. “The township committee is very happy with this choice.”