Chief Stefano (Steve) Napolitano was appointed to the NYSAFC board of directors in January 2020, filling the Career Director position vacated by Chief Bruce Heberer.
Napolitano is a 33-year veteran of the fire service and has been serving as chief of department for the City of Batavia Fire Department in Genesee County since 2017. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter in Herkimer County with the Frankfort Fire Department and was hired by the Herkimer Fire Department in 1991, serving in an on-call position. Napolitano gained a full career appointment in 1996 and held multiple ranks before accepting the fire chief position in Batavia. Additionally, he previously served as deputy director of emergency services for Herkimer County and is a New York state fire instructor.
Napolitano holds degrees in mechanical engineering and fire protection technology, as well as a master's degree in fire service leadership.
A member of NYSAFC since 2003, Napolitano previously served on the association's Fire Investigation Committee and as a regional representative.
New York State Association of Fire Chiefs