Chris Langlois has been named as Leland's fire chief, according to a news release.

Langlois started working for the town of Leland in mid-August. The town held a swearing-in ceremony for Langlois on Aug. 24 at Leland Town Hall, stated the release.

Langlois fills the position that was left open after former fire chief John Grimes filled a new town role as emergency management director in April. Leland Fire/Rescue deputy chief Ronnie Hayes served as interim fire chief during the fire chief search.

“[Langlois'] experience – and his dedication to community – make him an ideal person to continue the mission of Leland Fire/Rescue and to help the department evolve as the Town continues to grow,” Grimes said in the release.

Langlois comes to the Cape Fear region after spending the past 20 years in Omaha, Nebraska with the Omaha Fire Department, which "serves approximately 500,000 residents, operates 24 fire stations and has a team of 650 firefighters," stated the release.

Langlois was initially hired as a firefighter in Omaha, where he held various roles as a paramedic, fire captain, training officer and battalion chief, officials said.

“I was drawn to firefighting, as many other firefighters were, by a family member,” Langlois said in the release. “My cousin was a volunteer firefighter and got me involved, mentoring me along the way. I became passionate about fire service because it allowed me to be a part of a team that showed up on the worst day of someone’s life and did whatever was needed to try to make it right. The ability to be a part of turning chaos into order and to really make a difference in someone’s life has had a lifelong impact on me.”

Langlois is a graduate of the executive fire officer program at the National Fire Academy. He has a bachelor’s degree in public fire administration from Upper Iowa University and a master’s degree in executive fire service leadership from Grand Canyon University. He has also earned many certifications from the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.

"Leland Fire/Rescue has a long history of service to the community," Langlois said. "I am looking forward to serving alongside members of the department to continue that service and create more excellent outcomes for our community."