Chief Giorgio at the Command Post (Photo by Curt Hudson)

In July of 2001, Robert Giorgio was appointed to the position as Chief of Department and is the first person from inside the organization to hold this post. Giorgio's service to Cherry Hill spans over 20 years, not including the time he spent from age 12 through 15 as an unofficial member of the Springdale Road Fire Station.

On March 30, 1987, he was hired as a career firefighter and worked in a number of assignments. In addition, he has served in the following positions: Fire Inspector, Captain, Station Commander, Battalion Chief of Training & Safety, and for 5 years, as Assistant Fire Chief, the number two post in the Department.

The Chief has national certification as a Fire Officer I, II, Fire Instructor III, Haz-Mat Incident Commander, and Chemical Weapons of Mass Destruction Technician. He validates fire service textbooks developed by Oklahoma State University. Known as IFSTA manuals, these textbooks serve as the primary training and promotional material used in North America.

Bob attended training at Rutgers University Center for Management Development in Labor Management Relations. He also successfully tested and achieved the NFPA designation of Certified Fire Protection Specialist (CFPS).

In June 2000, Chief Giorgio completed the South Jersey Regional Leadership Institute, a six month program hosted by Rutgers University Center for Strategic Urban Community Leadership.

Chief Giorgio achieved a coveted designation as a Chief Fire Officer through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. This program serves to accredit fire service leaders to meet seven (7) independent competencies.

Bob graduated magna cum laude from Holy Family University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with a B. A. in Fire Administration/Public Safety. In addition Chief Giorgio obtained a Masters Degree in Governmental Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, Fels Institute of Government.