Effective Sunday June 1 2025, current Chief of Department Mike Millisky will step down from his position as he hands the reigns to current Assistant Chief David Haines. Chief Millisky made the decision to step down earlier this year, having served in this role for the last 10 years.
Chief Millisky began his firefighting service in 1991 with the Mt. Laurel Fire Department, to be followed by a brief stint in Runnemede in 1993, settling later that year at Magnolia Fire Company. He remained there for the next 18 years, serving as Lieutenant and Vice President in that time. In 2011 he became a volunteer with Chews Landing, where he rose through the ranks, being appointed Chief in 2015. Although he is stepping down from this role, he is by no means done, as he plans to continue serving our department and the residents it protects.
During his tenure, Chief Millisky had the privilege of overseeing a number of changes and accomplishments within the department, and credits all of the Officers and District Administrator in helping him do so. Some items of note:
The implementation of the Squad 88 program, which joined the career staff from the Chews Landing and Blackwood fire departments to provide the residents of both districts the first fire apparatus in the township to be staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Covid pandemic
Several large grants secured to aid in volunteer staffing and SCBA replacement
Upgrading, replacement, and streamlining of the apparatus fleet
Implementation of an ASHE group, dedicated riding assignments, and being once again assigned to Rt. 42 responses
Acquired structure training within our district
Attending FDIC and Staff and Command class, receiving Firefighter of the Year award, and being part of the crew that helped make a successful save at a Blackwood apartment fire.
We would like to thank Chief Millisky for the countless hours volunteered, strict dedication, and utmost professionalism he has committed to serving as Chief this last decade, and wish him nothing but the very best. Congratulations and job well done!
