Judge will leave Scranton Fire Department in January 2027 after 25 years of service
SCRANTON, PA. – Scranton Fire Chief John J. Judge IV will retire from the Scranton Fire Department on Jan. 2, 2027, concluding 25 years of dedicated service to the City of Scranton.
Judge was appointed fire chief on Nov. 30, 2020. His tenure as chief has been defined by an emphasis on proactive fire prevention, modernizing emergency operations, and strengthening the City’s emergency preparedness.
Judge championed a proactive approach to fire prevention by advancing the department’s free smoke alarm program and expanding its community outreach, strengthening relationships between firefighters and the residents they serve. He also strengthened the department’s fire investigation capabilities through the addition of W’Asyk, an accelerant detection K-9.
Judge also focused on modernizing fire department operations. Under his leadership, the department developed a drone program and implemented a GPS-based alerting system that warns motorists of approaching fire apparatus and nearby emergency scenes. He also oversaw continued modernization of the apparatus fleet, including improvements to the tools and equipment used in firefighting operations.
As the City’s emergency management coordinator, Judge advanced the use of mass public notification tools and helped develop flood mitigation strategies to improve Scranton’s preparedness for severe weather and other emergencies.
“Firefighters often choose this profession for a lifetime, and Chief John Judge has provided a remarkable life of service to the Scranton Fire Department and our community,” Mayor Paige G. Cognetti said. “His dedication to public safety and service has been unmatched, helping to keep Scranton residents safe in immeasurable ways. The fundamental values of the Scranton Fire Department include ‘Service’ and ‘Integrity,’ both of which Chief Judge has embodied throughout his career.”
The Scranton Fire Department is 141 personnel strong and serves the community from seven strategically located fire stations, including the historic Fire Headquarters at 518 Mulberry St. The department is committed to protecting life and property while fostering community trust and resilience through dedicated service.
ABOUT THE CITY OF SCRANTON: Incorporated in 1866, the City of Scranton has a population of approximately 76,000 residents and is the sixth-largest municipality in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Scranton City Hall is located at 340 N. Washington Ave., Scranton, PA 18503. Residents requiring services should visit www.scrantonpa.gov
ABOUT MAYOR PAIGE G. COGNETTI: Paige G. Cognetti was sworn in as the 36th Mayor of Scranton in January 2020 and took her third Oath of Office in January 2026. Her administration is focused on public safety, fiscal discipline, driving economic growth, upgrading infrastructure, government transparency and efficiency, and improving residents’ overall quality of life.
Scranton Fire Chief John J. Judge IV Announces Retirement | Press Release
Last modified: September 25, 2026
