The city of Bellbrook named Washington Twp. Deputy Fire Chief James Neidhard as it's new fire chief Tuesday.
Starting Feb. 3, Neidhard, of Centerville, will command a staff of 37 and a nearly $1.2 million budget as Bellbrook's fire chief, city officials said in a release Tuesday.
Neidhard replaces the retiring Scott Hall, who commanded the post for 15 years.
"(We are) privileged to have Jim Neidhard as our next Fire Chief," Bellbrook City Manager Mark Schlagheck said in a prepared statement. "(His) experience and education will help allow the Bellbrook Fire Department to continue to provide excellent service to our residents."
Neidhard has been the deputy chief for the Washington Twp. Fire Department since 2007.
"I look forward to leading a department already known for its excellence in fire and EMS services," Neidhard said in a prepared statement. "... and being a part of a community that is passionate about its heritage and its future."
Neidhard graduated from Wright State University with a masters degree in public administration, and has degrees from Ohio State University and Sinclair Community College. He is a member of the Ohio Fire Chiefs' Association.
"It's going to be a lot of me getting used to things early on, but once I do, It's going to be a great experience," Neidhard said. "Just learning about the department and the way things are there ... I'm looking forward to what's to come."