LEBANON — Lebanon firefighter and paramedic James Wheatley will be the city’s next fire chief, starting Oct. 28.
He will succeed longtime Lebanon Fire Chief Chris Christopoulos, who announced his retirement last week.
Wheatley, a captain and paramedic in the department since 2011, was officially named Lebanon’s next fire chief on Thursday in a news release from City Manager Shaun Mulholland.
“I am excited to have Jim serve as our next fire chief,” Mulholland said. “Jim is well qualified and has the experience to operate a modern fire department to serve the citizens of our city.”
Christopoulos, who has served as chief since 2007 announced his plans to retire on Sept. 30, after 40 years of service as a career firefighter, including 20 in Lebanon.
“Captain Wheatley is a well-rounded and highly competent fire officer,” Christopoulos said in a written statement.
“He continually strives to improve by continuing his education and is well respected by his peers. … Captain Wheatley will serve the community well, and I am happy to see his progression to the position of Fire Chief.”
Wheatley, who is originally from Michigan, worked four years in the Hartford Fire Department prior to his employment in Lebanon. He holds an associate degree in fire science from New Hampshire Community Technical College in Littleton, N.H., and a bachelor’s degree in fire administration from Columbia Southern University in Orange Beach, Ala.
Wheatley also graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy.
In Lebanon, Wheatley developed a “comprehensive” training program for city firefighters and oversees the department’s personal protective equipment, building maintenance and technical rescue services.
He was unavailable for comment.
Patrick Adrian can be reached at padrian@vnews.com.