WFD Welcomes Joshua A. Lester as Deputy Fire Chief

The Westerville Division of Fire is pleased to announce the appointment of Joshua A. Lester as Deputy Fire Chief, effective March 2, 2026. Lester transitions to Westerville following a high-impact tenure as Assistant Chief for the City of Mount Vernon, where he was recognized for fostering a culture of resilience and professional excellence.

In his new role with the Westerville Division of Fire, Lester will leverage his extensive background in public safety collaboration and organizational development to enhance the department's service delivery. His arrival marks a strategic addition to Westerville's leadership, focusing on maintaining the high standards of safety and innovation the community expects.

"Joshua's expertise in professional development and operational excellence makes him an ideal fit for the Deputy Chief role," said City Manager Monica Dupee. "As we prepare for a leadership transition within the Division, ensuring we have a robust and talented executive team is a top priority. Joshua will be a foundational asset to this department and our community for years to come."

"Joining the Westerville team presents an incredible opportunity to apply my years of experience in fire service leadership toward the future growth of this department. I am dedicated to mentoring our personnel and keeping Westerville safe and resilient," said Lester.

The Westerville Division of Fire is committed to attracting top-tier talent to its executive ranks. While the City of Westerville continues recruiting a new Fire Chief to succeed the retiring Chief Brian Miller this spring, the addition of Deputy Chief Lester ensures a strong leadership structure is in place to serve the community and its firefighters.