City Manager Monica Dupee has appointed Joshua A. Lester as Fire Chief of the Westerville Division of Fire. Lester's appointment was confirmed by City Council on June 16, 2026. His first day in the new role is June 22, 2026.

Lester joined the Westerville Division of Fire in March 2026 as Deputy Fire Chief, transitioning from the City of Mount Vernon where he served as Assistant Chief and was recognized for building a culture of resilience and professional excellence. Just weeks after his arrival, he was appointed Interim Fire Chief in April 2026, a role in which he quickly demonstrated the leadership and vision that led to his permanent appointment.

"Chief Lester’s expertise in professional development and operational excellence makes him an ideal fit for Westerville," said City Manager Monica Dupee. 

In his short tenure with Westerville, Lester has made a meaningful impact on department culture and operations. He has expressed a strong commitment to mentoring personnel and advancing the department's capacity to serve a growing community. 

"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," Lester said. "I am dedicated to mentoring our personnel and keeping Westerville safe and resilient."

The award-winning Westerville Division of Fire managed 3,457 fire-related incidents and 5,963 medical emergencies throughout 2025. Demonstrating a dedication to prevention, personnel also conducted 1,629 building inspections and enhanced residential security by installing 180 smoke detectors across the City.