Reading officially welcomed its newest fire chief, Robert Leonard II, into office during a ceremony Monday, when he and two veteran officers took their oaths before colleagues, family members and city officials.
Leonard, 41, became the city’s 22nd fire chief after his appointment was approved by City Council in March.
He also became the first Black chief in the department’s history.
He previously served as a shift commander and director of training for Prince George’s County Fire/EMS Department in Maryland.
He was joined for the ceremony during City Council’s committee of the whole meeting by First Deputy Chiefs Richard Kuhn and Thomas J. Rehr. Both were recently promoted from second deputy chief to first deputy chief.
Reading Fire Chief Robert Leonard II addresses the audience Monday after taking the oath as the city’s 22nd fire chief. (Courtesy city of Reading)
Addressing the audience after taking the oath, Leonard thanked Mayor Eddie Moran, City Manager Jack Gombach, City Council and the many family members and friends who traveled from Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, New Jersey and elsewhere in Pennsylvania to witness the occasion.
“Your love and support has made this journey possible,” Leonard said, “and I couldn’t be here without you. If my dad was alive, he’d be sitting in the front row, smiling from ear to ear, enjoying this moment.”
Leonard said he could almost hear his late father’s frequent caution to stay humble and live up to the responsibility of the job. That advice has become a daily reminder since taking over the department.
“Since I started, I wake up every morning to remind myself, ‘You’re living your dream of being a fire chief, don’t mess this up,’” he said. “It’s a simple thought, but it keeps me grounded. It reminds me of the responsibility that comes with this position.”
Leonard also congratulated Kuhn and Rehr on their promotions, saying he looks forward to working alongside them as the department moves forward.
He thanked the department’s officers and firefighters for making him feel welcome during his first months in Reading.
“You made me feel like a part of the city of Reading family,” he said. “Beyond this department, this city has embraced me as one of their own.”
Whether residents have stopped him at intersections or approached him in local restaurants to ask how they can support the fire department, Leonard said he has been humbled by the community’s reception.
Looking ahead, he said his focus remains on earning the confidence of those he leads.
“My priority is to build trust with the men and women of this great department,” he said. “Trust is earned through honesty, consistency and showing up for one another every day. I’m committed to earning that trust and serving alongside each of you with integrity, humility and respect.”
Moran praised Leonard’s performance during his initial months on the job.
“I think that you have been doing an amazing job thus far,” the mayor said. “We’re looking forward to you having a great, long, safe career with us.”
He thanked Leonard and the city’s firefighters for their service.
“We’re grateful to have you,” he said. “We’re honored to have you serve.”
Moran also thanked Leonard’s family and members of his former department for supporting the new chief throughout the transition to Reading.
He also thanked former Chief James Stoudt, who retired in February after nearly 35 years with the department, including four years as chief.