VIDEO: After more than 30 years of service, the York City Fire Chief is retiring.
Mayor Michael Helfrich announced the retirement of Fire Chief William Sleeger Jr. after 33 years with the City of York Department of Fire/Rescue Services. His retirement will go into effect on Jan. 18.
Sleeger joined the department on March 9, 1992, after serving in the U.S. Navy. He graduated from the 6th HACC fire academy and began as a firefighter on A Platoon. He was promoted to captain in 2015, assistant chief in 2019 and deputy chief later that year.
Sleeger served as acting chief in March 2021 and was sworn in as chief on July 26, 2021.
Throughout his career, Sleeger received multiple commendations and awards, including recognition for rescues and emergency responses. In one instance, when a resident pulled a gun on Sleeger after becoming entrapped in a vehicle, he was able to successfully disarm and assist in the apprehension of the suspect.
He is a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Pennsylvania Career Fire Chiefs Association and the York County Fire Chiefs Association.
