Jim Thorpe Borough appointed a new leadership team Thursday to guide its Municipal Fire Department, approving a fire commissioner, fire chief and deputy fire chief as part of a restructuring aimed at strengthening operations, expanding training and increasing community outreach.

Council voted unanimously to appoint Charles Sgrillo, a retired Philadelphia firefighter, as fire commissioner, Vince Yaich Jr. as fire chief and Charles DeHaven as deputy fire chief.

The action followed an amendment to the borough’s fire ordinance, which created the commissioner position and added a second deputy chief role. Bill Diehm will also remain a deputy fire chief.

Council President Greg Strubinger said updating the department’s structure was an important step for the borough.

He thanked the volunteer firefighters for their years of dedication, adding, “The borough residents are indebted to you for all those years.”

How we got here

Council announced in October it was moving forward with a plan to create a “fire commissioner” position aimed at strengthening leadership and improving communication within the fire department.

Strubinger said the idea came from ongoing discussions between the borough’s Emergency Services Committee and the two fire companies, Onoko and Diligent.

“We’re trying to get our leadership structure in order,” Strubinger said. “The committee has been meeting with both companies, and everyone agrees that creating a fire commissioner position is a good way to move forward and make the best use of our personnel.”

The fire chief position became open when Vince Yaich Sr. resigned May 28.

Bill Diehm, former chief and a longtime deputy in Jim Thorpe, has overseen the department since that point.

Leaders outline plans

Sgrillo said the new commissioner role will focus on improving operations and preparing the department for increasing demands.

“My role is going to be working with my chief and my deputy chiefs to implement modernization and changes,” Sgrillo said. He noted that the borough’s responsibility extends beyond its borders.

“With over 4,300 residents and a million visitors here, we have our work cut out for us,” Sgrillo said.

He said greater community engagement will be a priority, particularly on safety and prevention.

“A really big thing will be fire safety and a smoke detector program and things of that nature, because the best way to fight a fire is not to have one,” he said.

Yaich Jr., now leading the department after 23 years of service, said the leadership team has several initiatives ready to roll out.

“We have a lot of good ideas on paper right now and we want to get them out and really get them in motion,” Yaich said. “We’re going to start small with something we created here and then go for the home run down the road.”

He said the department is preparing to expand training and develop new programs. “We’re really going to turn some heads with what we have planned,” he said.

DeHaven said training will be a central part of his role as deputy chief.

“I’m going to do some training,” he said. “I’ll be a training deputy and support Vince and Charlie with whatever they need.”

He added that boosting youth involvement will require visibility.

“We have to get out there and show them what we’re about,” he said. “Show them different ways that we can help the community and how they can help the community.”

Sgrillo said the combined experience of the three officers positions the department to move forward quickly.

“This is the perfect way to move us forward,” he said. “Give us a year, and we’re going to turn some heads around here.”

Strengthening cooperation between the borough’s two fire stations, Diligent and Onoko, is also a priority, according to Sgrillo.

“We are two stations, but we’re one company,” he said. “We have to have each other’s back.”

Ceremony marks transition

Following Thursday’s vote, Mayor Eric Cinicola administered the oath of office and praised the borough’s volunteers for their commitment.

“I am proud of this moment as a fellow firefighter for the borough for 35 years and your mayor,” Cinicola said. “I’m proud each and every day to serve next to all the fine volunteers in this audience.”

The officers pledged to uphold the Constitution and “serve and protect this community with integrity, courage and commitment.”

Strubinger closed the ceremony by recognizing Cinicola’s involvement in helping bring the reorganization forward.

“Hats off to the mayor for a lot of diligent work and making this evening a reality,” he said.

Appointments carry personal meaning

For Yaich, following in his father’s footsteps made the appointment especially meaningful.

“It’s huge to follow my father’s footsteps and lead this fire department that I grew up in,” he said. “It’s the greatest honor.”

He described the department as a second family.

“Everybody in this department — the guys that were here before me and the guys who will be here after me — has helped me,” Yaich said. “Most of them have been like a second father to me.”

DeHaven called his appointment “an honor and more of a privilege,” and Sgrillo described the role of commissioner as “very gratifying.”

“To be part of a proud fire department is great,” Sgrillo said. “All I can do is try my best to support the members so that we are ready to go at any time for anything.”