Eamon C. Brazunas
PHOENIXVILLE — The Borough will have a new, full-time fire chief, starting in early 2022.
Borough Council announced the appointment of Eamon C. Brazunas as the Borough’s new full- time fire chief. This selection follows the July 2021 resignation of John Buckwalter who served as the volunteer fire chief since 2012.
The borough conducted an extensive national search that resulted in over 36 well- qualified and exemplary applicants. Leading candidates participated in a highly competitive and comprehensive interview process, which included multiple panel interviews with stakeholders, executive management and department directors.
“We attracted top candidates both on a regional and national level for this search,” said Borough Manager E. Jean Krack. “I think this is a positive statement about the outstanding qualities of the men and women who serve our community in the Phoenixville Fire Department.”
“We are very excited to welcome Eamon Brazunas as the Borough’s new full-time fire chief,” said Council President Jonathan Ewald. “Our Fire Department has played a very important part in our community for a long time. We have been fortunate to have generations of dedicated volunteers and professionals who have protected and cared for us. As we look ahead to the future, it is essential the new leader prepare the department for significant changes in the emergency response profession. Eamon Brazunas has proven his ability to be both, a great fire chief and leader, who can prepare the organization for change.”
Brazunas currently serves as Executive Director of the Radnor Fire Company and fire chief for the Berwyn Fire Company and has more than 23 years of experience in the fire service. He began his public safety career as a fire/EMS provider in 1998 with the Berwyn Fire Company where he moved up through the ranks as lieutenant, captain, assistant fire chief and has served as fire chief for the past seven years.
Brazunas holds a Master of Public Administration (fire and emergency services concentration) from Anna Maria College and a Bachelor’s Degree in public relations/advertising from the Pennsylvania State University. He also attained his Executive Fire Officer status from the United States Fire Administration and is designated as a Chief Fire Officer by the Commission on Professional Credentialing. He actively participates in numerous local and regional fire organizations, currently serving as Incident Support Team Member with the Chester County Department of Emergency Services.
“I am truly honored to be selected as the Borough of Phoenixville next fire chief,” said Brazunas. “The Phoenixville Fire Department has a rich history of leadership in the fire service and of high quality delivery of service to the community. I am excited for the opportunity to be part of such a great group of volunteers and career staff, along with the Borough’s leadership team.”
“Chief Brazunas will be joining an outstanding group of professionals currently leading the Borough of Phoenixville,” said Krack. In particular, I was pleased to have Chief John Buckwalter continue serving as our volunteer fire chief during the search process. He is a well-respected individual not only in our community but also on a regional basis in regards to emergency management. Under his leadership, the Department transitioned to a Fire Department based Advanced Life Support Service, consolidated three companies into the Phoenixville Fire Department, purchase of new equipment including the new Rescue Pumper and participation in the development and design of the new fire station. It has been an honor to work closely with him over the past nine years.”
Brazunas will begin his employment on January 3, 2022.
