“I got to know Tracey over the last few years, particularly as we worked through the union negotiations with him and his team last year,” city Mayor Derek Slaughter said at the event.

“The more I got to know him, it really started to become clear that the vision he had, not just for the Bureau of Fire, for working with other departments, and overall, the direction he saw for the city, started to align with the vision that I had and our administrative staff had,” the Mayor said.

“When Tracey put his name in for the chief, and we started having even a little bit deeper conversations, that was quite evident,” Slaughter continued, adding that his administration looks forward to working with Harer to build on what he called an already “great foundation.”

“The crew that we have here at the Bureau of Fire is a tremendous team that we’re very fortunate to have,” the Mayor said.

Williamsport Bureau of Fire Chief Tracey Harer makes remarks after being sworn in as Deputy Chief Kenny Smith (who was re-sworn) at a ceremony at the Bureau’s Williamsport Head Quarters. Harer had been Tower 1 driver on the D platoon for the city. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“I never thought I’d be sitting in this position,” said Harer during his remarks.

“As I talked with the guys and we saw the needs of this department, I think we’re on the same plan,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to the future with the help of the rest of the department heads and the mayor putting faith in us. I think we’ll have a very, very promising future,” Harer said.

Also sworn in to continue in the role of Deputy Chief was Kenny Smith.

“Deputy Chief Kenny has been with us for a little bit, and we’re very pleased that he’s agreed to continue on in that role. He’s done a great job there,” Slaughter said.

“As I was talking to Chief Harer and talking about the deputy, he agreed and wanted to keep Chief Kenny on, and I’m glad he has agreed to stay in that role,” the mayor said.

“We’ve got to keep moving forward,” Smith said.

“The progression of this department and us working together is the only way we succeed,” he said.

“I look forward to another few years of kicking butt out there, and I appreciate everyone’s teamwork up to this point, and Chief Harer and the Mayor for entrusting me to continue in this role,” the Deputy Chief said.

Slaughter also congratulated outgoing Chief Sam Aungst on his retirement and many years with the department, which began in March 1992, and saw him serve as Chief for four years.

“You definitely left us in a great place. Lots of momentum, lots of energy, getting a lot of grants, and that’s continuing on,” the Mayor said to Aungst.

“It’s a long time coming, but, definitely the fire department’s in good hands with the new Chief, the Deputy Chief, and the officers and men and women of the fire department,” Aungst told the Sun-Gazette.

As for Aungst’s plans now, he said relaxing is at the top of his list, along with a honey-do list his wife has ready for him.