New emergency services director hired
The Chester County Commissioners have appointed Warren W. “Bill” Messerschmidt III as the county’s new director of the Department of Emergency Services.
Messerschmidt will take the lead at the agency on Monday, Feb. 13, following his most recent role as assistant director of Emergency Management Operations in neighboring Montgomery County.
Messerschmidt has been a firefighter at Centre Square Fire Company in Blue Bell for 16 years and has served as deputy chief of operations for the past seven years.
Commissioners’ Chairwoman Marian Moskowitz said, “Bill has precisely the right experience and skillset that the DES Director’s job demands, and we are fortunate to have him join us here in Chester County. His time in Montgomery County’s Department of Public Safety will prove valuable as he leads our 9-1-1 Center, Emergency Management and Emergency Operations Divisions, and the Public Safety Training Campus.”
“Chester County needs a strong leader with a steady hand when emergencies happen and minutes and decisions count,” said Commissioner Josh Maxwell. “Bill’s years of experience as a leader — both in Montco’s EMO and as a volunteer firefighter — give him the ability to make those decisions expeditiously. He has earned respect for his accomplishments, and in turn respects and appreciates the team he will be working within the department, and the whole of the Chester County first responder community.”
Messerschmidt is a graduate of Drexel University, where he co-founded the Drexel Emergency Medical Services. He is pursuing his master’s of public administration degree online with the University of New Haven and will graduate in the coming months.
Commissioner Michelle Kichline said, “Bill’s resume shows he is passionate about everything he does. Working full-time while pursuing a master’s degree is hard work — but add to that his work as a volunteer firefighter. DES is lucky to have someone so dedicated and driven.”