Mayor Purzycki Names Battalion Chief John Looney Interim Fire Chief

May 6, 2021

The appointment follows the announced retirement of Chief Michael Donohue

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki has named Battalion Chief John Looney as acting Chief of Fire following Fire Chief Michael Donohue’s decision to retire from the department effective Friday.

John Looney joined the Wilmington Fire Department on August 24, 1993, and for many years was assigned to the Heavy Rescue Company Rescue 1. He was later assigned to the Fire Marshal’s Office (FMO) for several years, serving as Fire Investigator, FMO Lieutenant, and FMO Captain. Looney spent a number of years as Captain of various engine companies before arriving at his current position, Battalion Chief of Safety and Training, in 2014. Battalion Chief Looney has commanded the last four fire recruit academies.

Wilmington Mayor Mike Purzycki has named Battalion Chief John Looney as acting Chief of Fire following Fire Chief Michael Donohue’s decision to retire from the department effective Friday.

 

“Battalion Chief John Looney has served the Wilmington Fire Department and the people of Wilmington for nearly 30 years,” Mayor Purzycki said today. “With Chief Donohue’s departure due to retirement, I am confident that Acting Chief Looney will continue to guide the department with a steady hand while building on the successes of his predecessor. I am grateful that John has accepted this new challenge.”

The Mayor again thanked outgoing Chief Donohue for his many years of dedicated service to the City of Wilmington and wished him well in retirement following a distinguished, 37-year career with the department.