Westfield Fire Chief

Michael Duelks was sworn in on April 26, 2022, as the twelfth Fire Chief of the Town of Westfield. Michael was born and raised in Westfield and is a graduate of Westfield High School. Throughout Michael’s career, he has continued his education in Fire Science and Public Administration. He holds a nationally accredited State of New Jersey Certified Public Manager certification from Rutgers School of Public Affairs and Administration.

Chief Duelks joined the Westfield Fire Department as a volunteer in 2002 and was appointed to career status in 2004.  As a Firefighter/EMT, Michael responded to countless emergencies within the town. In 2016, he was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant and served as the department’s Fire Inspector in the Fire Prevention Bureau. As the inspector, he examined buildings and structures to identify potential fire hazards, in addition to ensuring buildings were in accordance with appropriate laws, codes, ordinances and regulations. In 2019, Michael was appointed to the rank of Battalion Chief. He was responsible for all operational and administrative matters for the assigned work platoons. In 2020, Michael was recommended for promotion to the rank of Deputy Fire Chief and has served in that role until 2022, where he has been a part of the leadership of the department and has proven to be a person of exceptional character who is deeply committed to the success of the Westfield Fire Department. 

Chief Duelks currently holds numerous certifications and licenses in the field of the Fire service, as well as the Operation of Emergency Management.  He presently is a Deputy Emergency Management Coordinator for the Town of Westfield. Chief Duelks is also part of the Fire Mutual Aid Staff as one of the Fire Coordinators. He assists in protecting against the impacts of natural and man-made emergencies and disasters on the people, property, environment, and economy of Union County. 

Chief Duelks has been the recipient of multiple awards during his career, receiving the NJ State FMBA Valor Award, Union County 200 Club, Westfield FMBA 30 Valor Award, Team Effort Award from Saint Barnabas Burn Foundation, two Unit Citations and NJ State Valor Multi Jurisdiction Award.

Chief Duelks takes a great sense of pride in putting on the uniform every day and leading the way with the ultimate mission of protecting life, property, and promoting public safety.