New chief for Long Valley Volunteer Fire Department

The Long Valley Volunteer Fire Department has a new chief.

Megan McCrorey was confirmed as the department’s chief after taking the oath of office March 14. The ceremony took place during the Long Valley Community Service District’s board meeting at the fire hall in Cromberg.

McCrorey takes over for Chief Steve Peters, who is stepping down from the post after 10 years. Peters, who will remain as a volunteer firefighter, pledged to support McCrorey as she makes the transition to chief’s position. “I will help you in any way I can,” he said.

Peters added the department was “in the best possible condition I could have left it.” He said he achieved one of his main goals by adding two updated engines to the department. Including the chief position, the LVFD has eight volunteer firefighters.

McCrorey thanked Peters for his support. “I feel flattered. I know I have huge shoes to fill,” she said. “I’m very excited for this opportunity.”

McCrorey, who lives in Cromberg, has been a LVFD firefighter in addition to her full-time job as the Chief Nursing Officer for Plumas District Hospital in Quincy. 

McCrorey joins a select group.  According to census data, just 5.8 percent of fire chiefs nationwide are women.