(July 8, 2005) — GATES — The Gates Fire District has named the first full-time chief in the 78-year history of the Gates-Chili Fire Department.

James W. Harrington, a 31-year member of the department, was appointed by the district's fire commissioners Thursday and will be sworn in July 28.

The commissioners created the full-time position because of rising service demands on the department.

"Providing fire and emergency services in the towns has evolved into a $3million business," said William Gillette, chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners. "We now receive more than 2,200 calls a year and have both volunteer and paid firefighters on staff.

"With nearly 36,000 residents, the major commercial and industrial sites within our boundaries, and the airport and miles of expressways, we need the coordination and attention that a full-time chief can bring to our operations."

Harrington, a lifelong Gates resident, joined the department in 1974, at age 18, as a member of the Gates Fire Explorer Post No. 272. He served as a dispatcher and administrator from 1976 to 1981 and as battalion chief, deputy chief and chief — all volunteer positions — from 1990 to 1996.

Harrington has been responsible at various times for equipment acquisitions, staff training and budget management.

"We are fortunate to have a fire service professional of Mr. Harrington's standing as our first full-time fire chief," Gillette said.

Professionally, Harrington worked as a senior field representative for New York City-based Insurance Services Office Inc. from 1981 to 1999, when he became program coordinator of the Monroe Community College Public Safety Training Center on Scottsville Road.

"This is a tremendous honor," said Harrington, 49, of his appointment.

"I look forward to working with our volunteer and career firefighters, the commissioners, and the fire and emergency service agencies in Gates and throughout Monroe County to maintain and improve protection at its highest level."

GMCLENDN@DemocratandChronicle.com