New Emergency Services Director Appointed In Chester County

WEST CHESTER, PA – Chester County commissioners this week appointed Warren W. “Bill” Messerschmidt III as the County’s new Director of the Department of Emergency Services, effective Feb. 13.

Messerschmidt’s most recent role was assistant director of Emergency Management Operations in Montgomery County.

Messerschmidt has been a firefighter at Centre Square Fire Company in Blue Bell for 16 years and has served as deputy chief of operations for the past seven.

“Bill has precisely the right experience and skillset that the director’s job demands, and we are fortunate to have him join us here in Chester County,” said Marian Moskowitz, chairwoman.

Messerschmidt will lead Chester County’s 9-1-1 Center, Emergency Management and Emergency Operations Divisions, and the Public Safety Training Campus.

“Chester County needs a strong leader with a steady hand when emergencies happen and minutes and decisions count,” Commissioner Josh Maxwell said.

Messerschmidt is a graduate of Drexel University, where he co-founded the Drexel Emergency Medical Services. He is pursuing his Master of Public Administration online with the University of New Haven.

“Bill’s resume shows he is passionate about everything he does,” Commissioner Michelle Kichline said. "Working full-time while pursuing a master’s degree is hard work – but add to that his work as a volunteer firefighter. Department of Emergency Services is lucky to have someone so dedicated and driven.”