READING, Pa. — Inside city hall, a major transition for Reading was officially underway Monday night.
City Council confirmed Robert Leonard II as the city’s next fire chief, at a salary of $120,000 a year, replacing longtime Chief James Stoudt, who retired last month after more than three decades with the department.
“I know people that work here, and they’ve told me some of the great things that happen in the City of Reading Fire Department,” Leonard said.
69 News sat down with Leonard, a firefighter from Maryland with more than 25 years of experience.
“At the age of 16, I became a volunteer, and then at 20, I was hired by Prince George’s County Fire and EMS,” he said.
Most recently, Leonard was assistant fire chief in Prince George’s County, Maryland.
He said Reading stood out right away.
“My wife went to Penn State Berks, so I would come through Reading all the time, and the city was very intriguing,” Leonard said. “When I saw the opportunity…I hopped right on it, and I applied.”
Mayor Eddie Moran said it was Leonard’s experience and leadership that made the difference.
“Experience in academy leadership, EMS, paramedic, firefighter — in fact, he was recognized as firefighter of the year not long ago — that was really exciting,” Moran said.
Still, not everyone on council agreed with how the process unfolded.
Some raised concerns about how information was shared ahead of the vote and whether more internal candidates should have been considered.
Leonard was recommended by Moran and interviewed by council.
But in the end, council voted unanimously to approve Leonard, even giving him a round of applause as he stepped forward.
Councilmember Raymond Baker said he welcomes Leonard to the city.
“If you involve yourself in this community, and you make yourself a part of it and get to know the people and commit yourself to this community 100%, they will embrace you,” Baker said.
Leonard thanked Moran and council for the opportunity to serve the city.
“I really look forward to working with you guys very closely,” Leonard said. “I had the opportunity to meet everybody today, and everybody welcomed me with open arms. I’m just ready to get to work and continue to the traditions of Reading City Fire Department.”
Leonard already has goals as he takes the reins of leadership.
“I would love to enhance safety and recruitment,” he said. “That’s my two big things I would like to hit on this year.”
Moran said he has scheduled a press conference on March 24 to introduce Leonard to the community.