The Radnor Township Board of Commissioners is pleased to announce the appointment of James P. Smith, Jr. as the new Township Chief of Fire and Emergency Medical Services. Mr. Smith was appointed by unanimous vote on September 8, 2025, and will join the Township in his new role on September 16, 2025.

Mr. Smith brings 30 years of extensive experience in fire and rescue services. Chief Smith will serve as Radnor’s first career Fire & EMS Chief. Mr. Smith will be charged with the overall direction, administration and evaluation of the Township Fire and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and will plan, develop, implement and evaluate a Township-wide combination fire and EMS system, policies and procedures. He will also work closely with the Radnor, Bryn Mawr and Broomall Fire Departments as well as Radnor Township Police Department to promote fire prevention and protect the lives and property of Radnor Township residents.

“I am honored to be selected for this position and look forward to the challenges ahead as the emergency services of Radnor Township move towards a Fire/EMS system that is a model of excellence and efficiency,” said Smith. “I also would like to thank the Board of Commissioners for their confidence and trust.”

Mr. Smith’s experience includes 8 years as Director and Fire Chief of Ocean City Fire and Rescue Services (New Jersey) where he supervised 2 Deputy Chiefs, 4 Battalion Chiefs, 12 Captains, and personnel totaling 67 career fire and EMS personnel, operating from 3 fire stations, including a fire-based emergency medical service. Mr. Smith also served 9 years as Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator of Ocean City Emergency Management where he was responsible for protecting a barrier island with tax ratables of $13 billion and a population ranging from 25,000-150,000. This position included management level decision-making and administration including budgeting, human resources, master and contingency planning, logistics, operational command and control, communications, special operations, public education and public information.

Mr. Smith earned a Bachelor of Science in Public Safety Administration from Neumann University. His education and training also include numerous professional certifications, licensures and extensive coursework in emergency services and fire rescue.  He currently works as an adjunct professor at Rutgers University (Camden) and owns a small business consulting in emergency services agencies.

Mr. Smith is married with 3 children.  He enjoys traveling, family time, and he’s an avid sports fan.

“We are excited to welcome Jim to this critically important role for Radnor Township,” said Township Manager William M. White. “The Chief is the cornerstone for building the best combination system possible, and we believe hiring Jim gives us a huge advantage moving the fire and EMS service forward for the residents of Radnor Township. He is well known and respected in the fire safety and emergency services, has comprehensive knowledge of all aspects of Fire/EMS from legislative issues, budgets and insurance to front line operations, and has the leadership and experience for this complex and momentous initiative.”