Summit’s new fire chief took the oath of office — then immediately found himself leading crews through one of the city’s busiest stretches of emergency response this summer.

Brian Harnois, a longtime Summit firefighter, was sworn in Tuesday, July 7, by Mayor Elizabeth Fagan during the Common Council meeting. Within his first four days as chief, Harnois helped oversee more than 150 emergency calls tied to severe storms that hit the area around July 3, including a structure fire in Summit and another house fire in a neighboring community.

“My commitment is to work tirelessly to protect our community, support our firefighters, and ensure our department continues to provide the highest level of service,” Harnois told the council.

Harnois succeeds Eric Evers, who retired July 2 after 38 years with the department.

Harnois joined the Summit Fire Department as a volunteer firefighter and part-time dispatcher before becoming a career firefighter in 2007. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2015 and battalion chief in 2024.

During his career, Harnois has served as the department’s training officer, expanded hands-on training programs, and earned certifications as a fire instructor, fire inspector, fire investigator and emergency medical technician.

He has also completed leadership programs through the National Fire Academy and is expected to earn his Executive Fire Officer designation in 2027.

Harnois has received two chief’s awards for lifesaving efforts, in 2010 and 2022, and has volunteered with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation Memorial Weekend for 18 years.

Fagan said Harnois’ quick response during the recent storms showed he was prepared to take over the department.