The Reading Fire Department has a new leader.
At a City Hall news conference attended by department heads throughout his administration, Mayor Eddie Moran introduced Robert Leonard II as the new chief of the fire department.
The new Reading Fire Chief Robert Leonard II during a press conference in City Hall on Tuesday, March 24, 2026.. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
Leonard, 41, boasts more than 20 years of experience in fire and emergency medical services. He comes to Reading from Prince George’s County Fire /EMS Department in Maryland, where he most recently held the positions of director of training and shift commander.
He succeeds James Stoudt, who grew up in south Reading and retired in February after nearly 35 years of service with the city fire department — the last four as chief.
Leonard is the city’s first African American chief, officials confirmed later.
Moran said Leonard met the high standards the administration set for a fire department leader.
“We cast a wide net,” he said. “We reviewed candidates based on clear standards and remained focused on what matters most, leadership, experience and integrity, and the ability to serve our community.”
The new city fire chief was introduced by Reading Mayor Eddie Moran at a City Hall news conference on Tuesday, March 24, 2026. From left are: City Council President Donna Reed, 1st Deputy Fire Chief David Williams; Morgan Leonard, the chief’s wife; Chief Robert Leonard II; and the mayor. (BILL UHRICH/READING EAGLE)
What stood out, besides his exemplary resume, was his demonstrated leadership, the mayor said of Leonard.
“He’s done it all, to say the least,” Moran said, “from being on the front lines to leading teams, managing operations and helping guide departments through complex situations.
“He understands what it takes to keep a city safe. And just as importantly, he understands what it means to lead people. “The
The mayor thanked 1st Deputy Chief David Williams for leading the department for nearly two months after Stoudt retired.
Called to the podium to deliver a few remarks, Williams said he was glad that Leonard, a little more than 12 hours earlier in the same space, witnessed about a dozen newly promoted officers — second lieutenants and deputy chiefs — getting sworn in.
“This is an important moment in the Reading Fire Department,” he said, “and bringing you on board at the same time, I think, bodes great things for us.”
Council President Donna Reed also welcomed Leonard, highlighting the legacy of Reading’s fire department. Reed noted it is one of the oldest fire departments in the country and said the city looks forward to Leonard’s leadership while maintaining its traditions.
City Council, voting Monday night at its regular meeting, unanimously approved the mayor’s appointment of Leonard.
His annual salary was set at $120,000.
Leonard thanked the mayor, City Council, his wife, Morgan, and friends for their unwavering support throughout the interview and evaluation process.
He said he hasn’t stopped smiling since his hiring was ratified.
“I called my wife this morning (Tuesday) and she said, ‘You’re smiling, I can tell’ — which I was. I was so excited,” Leonard said.
He emphasized that his career has prepared him for this moment, noting how roles in operations, administration and training have shaped his leadership approach. He said he looks forward to working with Local 1803 and the department’s officers and firefighters, praising their dedication to the city.
Leonard said his top priorities include improving firefighter safety and addressing recruitment needs.
He acknowledged that Reading’s department — 151 personnel across seven stations serving 10 square miles — is much smaller than the Prince George’s County system he comes from, which has about 1,100 people and 48 stations. Leonard added said he is focused on continuing Reading’s strong legacy rather than the significance of being the city’s first Black fire chief.
He and his wife have begun the relocation process and are eager to settle in.
“One of the big things for me is community,” Leonard said. “For me to be part of the community, I have to be in the community.”
(Reporter Michelle Lynch contributed to this story)