Eggleston Named Binghamton Fire Chief

Daniel Eggleston is congratulated by Mayor Richard David after his appointment as city fire chief was announced. [Bob Joseph/WNBF News][/caption]

Daniel Eggleston has been appointed to serve as the next fire chief for the City of Binghamton.

Mayor Richard David announced he had selected Eggleston Tuesday (March 22) afternoon at the fire department headquarters at City Hall.

Eggleston will succeed Daniel Thomas, who is retiring as chief on April 9. Thomas, who joined the department in 1975, has been chief since 2007.

Eggleston has been city fire marshal since 2004. He was hired as a firefighter in 1984. He was promoted to lieutenant in 1995 and captain in 2001.

The other fire department veterans who had been in the running for the top job were training chief Richard Allen, assistant chief Stephen Faughnan and assistant chief Mark Whalen.

Eggleston lives in the Town of Binghamton, a short distance from the city line. He is expected to move into the city.

Eggleston said he learned he was about to be promoted to chief Monday, just over 24 hours before the mayor's announcement. He said the only person he informed was his wife, Cathleen.

The couple's five children learned of their dad's new job a few minutes after the public announcement.

The position of fire chief pays $109,786 a year.

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