The Plain Township Board of Trustees is pleased to announce that Patrick T. Connor has been promoted and sworn in as Plain Township Fire Chief. Chief Connor was selected in November of 2021 as assistant chief with the expectation that he would become the next Plain Township Fire Chief.

Chief Connor started in January of 2022 and has championed several initiatives at Plain Township to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of the fire department. Some of these include a program to upgrade all EMS medical equipment, replacing the hydraulic rescue tools (jaws of life) with the next generation of rescue equipment, ordering a new EMS medic vehicle, and adjusting staffing assignments to reduce overtime and improve service.

Chief Connor said, “I am humbled and honored to become the next Plain Township Fire Chief. I enjoy serving this community and working with the department, administration, and elected officials.”

Chief Connor previously served as Newark City Fire Chief for seven years and has over 29 years of total experience. His leadership experience immediately made a positive impact on the fire department. The Board of Trustees is thankful for Chief Connor’s strong leadership and accomplishments in 2022.

The board of trustees issued a joint statement that, “The Plain Township Trustees welcome Chief Connor’s leadership in the fire department and in our community. He has exceeded our expectations as Assistant Chief and we look forward to completing our fire department’s strategic plan with him at the helm.”

A community reception to recognize Chief Connor’s promotion will be held on Wednesday, February 1 from 5:00-6:30 p.m. The community is invited to the fire station to welcome Chief Connor.

As a result of Chief Connor’s promotion, Plain Township will seek an assistant fire chief, with the position to be posted very soon. Plain Township will complete its fire department strategic plan in early 2023 and looks forward to another year of opportunity for the fire department.