Bill Wiegman was sworn-in and announced by the Board of supervisors, surrounded by his family and fellow firefighters during the Board Meeting on Monday, February 24, 2020. Please join us in welcoming Bill to Montgomery Township, and read the Q&A below to get to know him a little better. 

What’s your background in Fire Services and Emergency Management?

I started in the field when I was 14 years old as a Junior Firefighter for the Lower Southampton Fire Department. From there, I went through the ranks from Firefighter up to Captain, and also became a Rescue Diver and Swift Water Technician. I’ll never forget Hurricane Floyd, and rescuing people from their homes along the Delaware River.

I started as a firefighter for the Fire Department of Montgomery Township in 2007, and am currently serving on the F.D.M.T. as the Fire Chief. I also serve on the Bucks County Hazardous Material Incident Response Team.

My bachelor’s degree is in Psychology and my master’s degree is in Forensic Psychology, so one of the things I have a strong interest in is juvenile arson and firefighter arson. I recently did a training for Penn State on profiling serial arsonists, firefighter arsonists, and juvenile arsonists. I also host youth fire setter intervention programs for the Bucks County Fire Pack.  

What do you like most about working in Fire Services?

The challenges of being an all hazardous approach agency- that means not only providing fire suppression services but also rescuing people and mitigating hazardous materials.

I also love being able to build relationships with the community and surrounding fire service agencies. Unfortunately, sometimes the only contact people have with their local government is with the fire and police during an emergency, so making those moments count is so important.

What advice would you give to someone who is interested in becoming a firefighter or getting involved with Emergency Management?

Have a good mix of education and experience. Certification is so important, but so is the ability to gain experience. While you are going through the certifications, get out and volunteer, intern, and be a part of your community.

What are you most excited about in your new role here at Montgomery Township?

The ability to work with both the career staff and the volunteers. I really want to make the department the premier combination department in the area. We have the infrastructure and resources to be the best, and I’m looking forward to getting us to that level.

I’m also excited to serve the community in which my family resides. Of course, I always work with the community as my priority, but now my family will be directly impacted by my work, and that is special.

What does it mean to you to be the Director of Fire Services for Montgomery Township?

To be the Director of Fire Services for Montgomery Township, you are the bridge or the conduit between the career staff and the volunteers, as well as all different facets of local and county government. You are the liaison and the leader for an organization that provides an important service and you have to make that work, and I am excited to make that work.

What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

Being with my family! I spend a lot of time on the field during my weekends. My family loves to travel, and we are looking forward to going on a Disney Cruise later this year. My wife and I also enjoy running races together.

What are some fun facts you could share with us so we can get to know you better?

I’ll read just about anything! Recently, I have been really into reading books on performance athletes. I also love to golf, and of course, watch Netflix! Oh, and I love music and my children, like a lot.

What are you passionate about?

Family and public safety, and community based fire service organizations.

What is one thing you could not live without?

My family and music- all types of music!

Bill Wiegman pictured (center) surrounded by his family and fellow firefighters from Montgomery Township and the surrounding community.