Almost immediately after starting his new position on Jan. 17, Ken Battin, London Grove’s new Township Manager, has also joined the West Grove Fire Company as a volunteer, writes Richard Gaw for the Chester County Press.

Battin previously served at East Whiteland Township as the director of the codes and life safety departments, where he oversaw tremendous growth in the township during his two decades there. When he started, he was one of just a handful of the township’s employees, a number that surged in the ensuing years. Battin hired 25 firefighters and three assistant fire marshals.

“I was very apprehensive about leaving East Whiteland, because I loved my job, and to move to London Grove Township was a big change, but I welcomed it,” said Battin.

During his first weeks on the job, he has already compiled a list of priorities, including identifying his top talent.

“Too many organizations overlook the talents that the people have within the organization,” he said.

Read more about Battin’s plans in the Chester County Press here.