YORK COUNTY — York County held a Promotional Pinning and Change of Command Ceremony Monday morning at Fire Station 1, announcing the appointment of Allen W. Baldwin as the county’s next fire chief, effective July 1.
His appointment follows the retirement of longtime Chief Stephen P. Kopczynski.
A York County resident, Baldwin brings decades of fire and emergency service experience in both Pennsylvania and Virginia to the job, serving the last 2 1/2 years as York County’s Deputy Fire Chief.
“I’ve been very fortunate. It was an easy decision to come to York County,” Baldwin said. “Great department, great people, the support the county provides … all around, a great, great opportunity — second to none.”
Baldwin said he knew of Chief Kopczynski’s reputation coming in, and being able to work with him was also a great opportunity. Now, as he takes over the department, his eye is on maintaining its success while keeping an eye toward the future.
“Continue to take care of business, looking to the future, making sure we’re prepared for tomorrow, next year, the next couple years, the next five to 10 years. The county’s changing. The 250th is coming up. A lot of good things are happening,” he explained.
A retirement celebration for Kopczynski was also held Monday at the same location. The York County native and longtime resident began his service in 1974 as a volunteer with York County, and over the next five decades, rose through the ranks, becoming Fire Chief in 1988 and serving as the county’s Coordinator of Emergency Management.
Under his leadership, the county noted the department grew in both size and scope, becoming a recognized model in fire, EMS, and emergency response across the state and region.
Kopczynski explained how the department had evolved in technology and service, from the rubber boots and canvas coats when he started to today’s full protective ensemble. He added today, the department boasts the best apparatus with the best safety features.
“We do everything we can to improve firefighter safety every single day,” he said.
The county noted that during Kopczynski’s tenure, he:
- Established a culture of customer service professionalism, caring, and pride of department members, and compassion as they care for the community.
- Expanded the number of fire stations from three to seven
- Modernized department operations and facilities
- Established wellness programs and specialty response teams
- Led emergency responses during major regional and national events
Kopczynski cited the support of his family — which he called his rock — and the firefighters he has worked with over the years for his success, and that he is looking forward to where Baldwin takes the department.
“I’m confident that I’m leaving the department in very good hands with Chief Baldwin. We are so fortunate that the county administrator decided to appoint him as fire chief,” Kopczynski said. “I’ll continue to be proud of this organization and look forward to the work Chief Baldwin leads, and the people in our organization as they continue to move the department forward.”
Reflecting on his long career, Kopczynski added, “You know, while this is technically my job, it’s really never been a job for me … especially the last 36 and a half as fire chief. And it’s because of the people that I work with, all the firefighters and fire officers in the department. They’re what makes our organization what it is. It’s not because of me. I just happen to wear the badge and am the fire chief. I’ve been blessed.”
