Director Stefano Napolitano

Chief Stefano (Steve) Napolitano is a 39-year veteran of the fire service. Currently, he is the fire chief of the City of Rochester Fire Department, the third largest fire department in New York state. Napolitano assumed this position on September 11, 2023. Prior to this role, he served as deputy state fire administrator for the New York State Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Napolitano began his career in 1986 as a volunteer firefighter with the Village of Frankfort Fire Department, where continued to serve until 1991 when he was hired by the Herkimer Fire Department. Over the years, Napolitano held various ranks within the department. In 2017, he took on a new challenge by relocating to western New York, where he served as fire chief of the City of Batavia Fire Department until July 2021. An advocate for education, Napolitano is a New York state fire instructor. He teaches outreach classes and serves as an instructor at the New York State Academy of Fire Science, where he is involved in the Recruit Firefighter Training, Fire and Emergency Service Instructor, and Fire Officer Programs. Additionally, Napolitano contributes to the fire service community through his role on the board of directors for NYSAFC. He has been a member of the association since 2003, and served on the former Fire Investigation Committee and as a regional representative. Napolitano also previously served on the board from January 2020 - July 2021, prior to his appointment to OFPC. He holds degrees in mechanical engineering and fire protection technology, as well as a master’s degree in executive fire service leadership.