Acting PA Chief Gets Permanent Appointment

A familiar face is now leading the Johnstown Fire Department.

Robert Statler, a 23-year veteran of the department, has been appointed as the 19th fire chief in the Johnstown Fire Department’s 113 year history.

“It’s a good feeling,” said Statler Friday evening.

“I’ve been acting since last July. The appointment makes it official.

“Now that I actually have the position I can start looking at some things and change some stuff that we either needed to change or wanted to change as time went along.

“I want to keep progressing.”

Statler replaces former Johnstown Fire Chief Anthony Kovacic, who accepted a position last year as an administrator for firefighting and emergency management with the Hempfield Township Volunteer Fire Departments in Westmoreland County.

Statler, a Windber resident, stepped in the interim position last summer upon Kovacic’s departure. Prior to his recent appointment, Statler served as the department’s assistant fire chief.

City Manager George Hayfield said on Friday that Statler was a “good fit” for the position.

“As far as I am concerned he’s done a good job as the interim for the last six months,” Hayfield said.

“I thought he was a good fit from the beginning.

“He’s got a good deal of experience, he’s got the qualifications, and he’s good when it comes to personnel and administration,” he said. “That’s what I look at.”

Statler, who also works as a paramedic with Northern EMS in Windber, said he plans to use the limited resources available to him to continue moving the fire department forward.

“The biggest part here in the city is working with limited manpower and staying within the budget,” he said. “We’ve got to do the best job we can with the money we have ... provide a good service to the city and the surrounding areas.”

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