After dedicating nearly 25 years to the Scranton Fire Department, Fire Chief John Judge is embarking on a new journey in Central Pennsylvania. He will soon assume the role of fire director for the Centre Region Council of Governments (COG), located in the State College area.
“I’m excited. It’s kind of bittersweet, as you can imagine,” Judge shared with WVIA News. “I love Scranton. I really do.”
Judge, aged 52, is set to oversee fire protection for a community of 93,000 people spread over a 104-square-mile region, which includes the bustling area around Penn State University.
His transition to the new position is expected by late November, with a brief overlap with the outgoing director, Shawn Kauffman. Officially, Judge’s tenure with Scranton will conclude on January 2, 2027, allowing him some time off before fully stepping into his new role.
Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti, who appointed Judge as fire chief on November 30, 2020, lauded his contributions, saying, “Firefighters often choose this profession for a lifetime, and Chief John Judge has provided a remarkable life of service to the Scranton Fire Department and our community.” She further highlighted his dedication to public safety, remarking on his embodiment of the values of ‘Service’ and ‘Integrity’ throughout his career.
Judge’s Journey in Scranton
Judge’s career in Scranton began in December 2001 as a police officer. “I was the last person that Mayor [Jimmy] Connors hired,” he recalled. Initially serving as a beat officer in South Scranton, he soon transitioned into the fire department following a civil service test.
Judge expressed his passion for both roles, saying, “You know, when you’re a kid, you want to be a policeman or a fireman. I had this unbelievable opportunity to do both in a city that I really admire and I love.”
His tenure as fire chief was marked by initiatives in fire prevention and modernization. He championed programs like the free smoke alarm initiative and expanded community outreach. Under his leadership, the department also launched a drone program and a GPS-based alert system, enhancing emergency operations.
Additionally, as Scranton’s emergency management coordinator, Judge played a crucial role in improving the city’s preparedness for severe weather, employing mass notification tools and developing flood mitigation strategies.
Reasons for Change
Judge noted that he “wasn’t looking specifically for a new job,” but found the opportunity appealing as he approached retirement eligibility. “And I think it’s time for somebody else to leave a mark on the fire department,” he reflected. He expressed gratitude for witnessing the positive changes in Scranton, attributing much of the progress to Mayor Cognetti’s administration.
Scranton’s Search for a New Leader
The Scranton Fire Department, under the 2026 operating budget, offers a combined salary for the fire chief and emergency management coordinator roles at $116,199, according to city spokesman Chris Hughes. The department operates from seven stations, centrally located at 518 Mulberry St. in downtown Scranton.
Hughes explained that the appointment process for a new chief involves the mayor’s selection with council’s advice and consent, as outlined in the City Code.
Details on the COG Position
The COG’s Regional Fire Protection Program consists of the Alpha Fire Company and the Centre Region Fire Marshal’s Office, tasked with serving State College Borough and surrounding areas, including parts of Penn State University. Judge noted the unique blend of volunteer and career firefighters in the area.
Judge is slated to shadow the outgoing director, especially during football games at Beaver Stadium, to understand the emergency management involved in such large events. “I’ll actually be going down for the whiteout game … and seeing how the emergency management functions for a game when you have over 100,000 people in a very small area,” Judge elaborated.
