On Monday, May 9, 2022, James G. Stoudt Jr. was sworn in as the new Reading Fire Department Chief.
Chief Stoudt grew up in southwest Reading and graduated from Reading High in 1988. He has been a long Department member, starting as a Volunteer with the Liberty Fire Co. before being hired as a career Firefighter in 1993.
He worked his way up, earning promotions to Lieutenant in 2011, 2nd Deputy Chief in 2015, 1st Deputy Fire Chief in 2018, ‘till now becoming Chief.
Chief Stoudt is the successor to his cousin, Chief William Stoudt Jr., who retired.
“I am proud to have selected Chief Stoudt out of a pool of similarly qualified candidates and trust he will serve the people of Reading with his heart and soul,” said Mayor Morán.
“He brings the energy, freshness, and experience to a time-consuming, demanding, and vital job for a city like ours. Chief Stoudt has been cited numerous times for his bravery, and I believe he will perform this new role impeccably – his success will be the City’s success.”
