New Fire Chief Officially Sworn In

Upward of 75 people, including firefighters, EMS personnel and their families, attended Monday's commission meeting to support newly appointed Collingswood Fire Chief Keith Davis.

Following in the footsteps of former chief , who retired December 31, 2011—and was present at the meeting—Davis was sworn-in by Collingswood Mayor James Maley.

During the Jan. 9 commission meeting, Davis officially hung up his captain's hat, and donned the title of department chief.

"Before we swear in Keith Davis, I'd like to thank (former chief) John Amet for his work," said Maley of 's 25-year career with , seven of which he spent as chief. "Before we came (to Monday's meeting), I said to Keith, 'Are you sure (about becoming chief)?'

"Because, in the last few years, every part of local government has been anything but easy," said Maley. "It's been very difficult across the board. Continuing to provide fire and emergency services is getting harder and harder to do."

But Davis, who was sworn-in by Maley—while accompanied by his children, 3-year-old Brett, and 8-year-old Rileigh—proved to be up for the task.

"I worked my whole career to achieve this, and it's finally come true," Davis said, of his dream of becoming fire chief. "It's been kind of surreal, but I'm sure it will hit me tomorrow, when I come to work."

Davis' predecessor said his former shoes have been filled by a worthy man.

"The department is being left in good hands," said Amet of his successor. "Keith is very knowledgeable. He's young, but he's ready."

Click to read Patch's coverage of former chief John Amet's retirement.