Riverhead Fire Department installed new chiefs last night at the fire district’s monthly Board of Commissioners meeting.
Outgoing Chief William (JR) Renten passed the chief’s badge to First Assistant Chief Piotr (Pete) Kurzyna, who was sworn in as the new chief of the department during a brief ceremony at RFD headquarters. Kurzyna, 35, is a 12-year veteran of the department.
Two other assistant chiefs moved up the chiefs’ ladder: First Assistant Chief Sean Brennan and Second Assistant Chief Raymond Jacobs.
Fire Police Patrol Company Ex-Captain Baycan Fideli was sworn in as third assistant chief.
The chiefs collectively are responsible for answering all calls to the fire department, which protects an area of approximately 48 square miles. Last year, the department responded to 1,435 incidents.
Chiefs are elected to a one-year term and traditionally serve two terms in each position.
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