Robert Kagel is the new director of the Chester County Department of Emergency Services.
“We are fortunate to have someone with Bobby’s experience and professionalism take on the directorship role,” said Commissioner Ryan Costello in announcing the appointment.
Kagel, formerly deputy director, replaces Ed Atkins, who passed away earlier this year. John Haynes, deputy director of 9-1-1 Operations, has been interim director since then.
Kagel is a nationally registered EMT and a volunteer firefighter. He has responded to several national disasters, to the Nickel Mines Amish School shooting in Lancaster County and to the Coatesville arson spree. Kagel was named Master Exercise Practitioner by FEMA and a Certified Emergency Manager by the International Association of Emergency Managers.
“The county has an excellent emergency services record and we know that Bobby will continue in the tradition of Ed Atkins and the fine department team,” said Commissioner Kathi Cozzone. Bobby has the respect of the Department of Emergency Services staff as well as that of Chester County’s first responder community.
Commissioner Terence Farrell said Kagel has a tremendous depth of knowledge about all areas of the Department of Emergency Services and has been recognized with both state and national awards. Farrell also thanked Haynes for his interim service.
As deputy director for emergency management, Kagel was responsible for implementing all phases of the county comprehensive emergency management program. He coordinated with the 73 municipal emergency managers, 45 police departments, 52 fire departments, 23 emergency medical service organizations, and numerous local, county, regional and state agencies on emergency management issues.
Links: www.chesco.org
