Harrison Twp. names Crist new fire chief

Michael Crist was named the new Harrison Twp. fire chief. The battalion chief had served as interim fire chief since the July 2022 retirement of Chief Mark Lynch. CONTRIBUTED

Michael Crist was named the new Harrison Twp. fire chief. The battalion chief had served as interim fire chief since the July 2022 retirement of Chief Mark Lynch. CONTRIBUTED

After a long search, Harrison Twp. has hired a new fire chief.

Michael Crist, a battalion chief for the Harrison Twp. Fire Department who served as interim chief after the retirement of Fire Chief Mark Lynch in July 2022, will now have the job on a long-term basis, the township announced in a release.

Crist began his fire service career in 2000 as a volunteer.

He started his career with Harrison Twp. in 2001 as a part-time firefighter/emergency medical technician and in 2002 was promoted to a full-time firefighter/paramedic.

He earned a degree in EMS and fire administration, and had received numerous certifications before he was promoted in 2007 to the rank of lieutenant.

In 2018, he was promoted to the rank of battalion chief and has also served as the fire department’s training officer, EMS manager and grant administrator.

“During his career, Crist has been recognized with numerous awards and commendations from multiple fire departments throughout the region,” township officials said. “Crist is an active fire, EMS and rescue instructor throughout the state and an advocate for firefighter safety and survival. He has been an instrumental in some of the advancements of firefighting gear through executive councils in gear development.”

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