Joel Eberth has been promoted to Fire Chief for the Buffalo Niagara International Airport Fire Department/ Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting (ARFF). Our new Chief is a dedicated fire service professional with over 26 years of experience in emergency services, leadership, and public safety. 

Prior to his promotion, he served as an Assistant Fire Chief with the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority for nearly 19 years, gaining extensive experience in incident command, personnel development, strategic planning, and emergency management. He also serves as a police officer with the Lewiston Police Department.

Chief Eberth began his fire service career in the United States Marine Corps, where he served as a Fire Chief, Fire Instructor, and Platoon Commander. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, he commanded fire and emergency operations at three forward operating bases. He also served as an instructor at the Department of Defense Fire Academy, Toys for Tots Coordinator, and Base Color Sergeant.

He holds a bachelor's degree in Fire Service Management from Southern Illinois University and two associate degrees. He is nationally certified as a Fire Officer IV and holds numerous other professional certifications.

The Chief is committed to actively developing firefighters, strengthening emergency response capabilities, and fostering a department culture built on professionalism, accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.

Please join us in congratulating Joel on his well-deserved promotion.