Names in the News: September 18, 2022

CHRIS COSTAMAGNA was selected as the 23rd chief in the history of the Sacramento (CA) Fire Department (SFD). Costamagna is a 32-year fire service veteran, with 27 of those years working with the SFD as an assistant chief of special operations, operations shift commander, battalion chief, in-service training captain, and SFD training academy drill Instructor. He most recently served as the SFD’s deputy chief of technical services. Costamagna also serves as co-chair of the department’s workforce equity team; was part of launching the department’s Diversity, Outreach, and Recruitment division; and helped develop the California State Urban Search and Rescue Training Group.

SCOTT GORDON will retire as chief of the Superior (WI) Fire Department (SFD), effective December 30, after three years in the position and 30 with the department. Gordon began his fire service career as an SFD firefighter in August 1992. After 16 years as a firefighter, he was then promoted to battalion chief, the youngest SFD member to ever rise to that position. After 10 years as battalion chief, Gordon replaced retiring SFD chief Steve Panger in October 2019. During his tenure, Gordon successfully guided the SFD through the COVID-19 pandemic and led an upgrade to the department’s fleet, adding the city’s first electric response vehicle.

BRAD PITASSI will take over as the new chief of the Maricopa (AZ) Fire/Medical Department (MFRD) on October 3. He had been serving as the MFPD’s interim chief since former chief Brady Leffler resigned on March 27. Pitassi had previously served as the MFPD’s assistant chief for operations and emergency medical services for two years as well as assistant chief for administration. He has deployed with a national incident-management team responding to Type 1 incidents and is a cadre member of the Complex Incident Management Course, a national course taught to students pursuing national Type 1 qualifications for command and general staff positions.

ERIC HEATH was unanimously selected to become the new chief of the Southington (CT) Fire Department (SFD) on September 15 by the town’s Board of Fire Commissioners. He will take over the position the following day from former SFD chief James Paul, who retired on September 10 after more than 29 years of service. Heath is a 23-year SFD veteran who has served in multiple roles with the department. He is noted as an expert in grant writing and fire apparatus and equipment, which has greatly progressed the safety and operations of the department.

TIMOTHY ERNST was appointed as the new chief of the Glendale (CA) Fire Department on September 14. Ernst is a 35-plus-year California fire services veteran. He began his career in 1987 as a paramedic with the Los Angeles (CA) Fire Department (LAFD), where he rose through the ranks to become a firefighter/paramedic, an engineer, a Captain I and II, a battalion chief, and eventually an assistant chief. Ernst also worked in the LAFD’s Medical Liaison Unit; supervised its Air Operations Section, Supply & Maintenance Division, and EMS Division; and helped develop its Swiftwater Rescue and FEMA Urban Search & Rescue Team programs.