Longtime firefighter and officer Jeff Mahar resumed duties as Chief of the Newland-Wood Fire Company No. 59 this spring.

His new two-year term began May 1. He replaces Toni Conti in that role. Conti is now First Assistant Chief.

This is Mahar’s 33rd year, overall, serving as Fire Chief — a position that is traditionally shared among the department members.

He joined the village-owned fire company in 1973 folllowing in the footsteps of his father Richard Mahar, who was a lifelong member of the company. Jeff’s passion for the department quickly ascended him to a leadership position, and since 1981, he has served as either Fire Chief of First Assistant Chief.

One of his proudest memories, he says, was serving as Assistant Chief under his son, Shane, from 2006-2010.

“I’m honored to lead the all-volunteer department whose membership is always ready to assist its neighbors,” he said.