Birmingham commission unanimously confirms Matt Bartolino as fire chief

Matt Bartolino was confirmed unanimously by the Birmingham City Commission on Dec. 15 and sworn in as the city's fire chief.

City Manager (name stated on the record) told the commission Bartolino has been with the department for 22 years, served as assistant fire chief for six years and had been interim chief since July 17. "He's done a great job of working through some difficult situations," the manager said, and recommended the appointment.

During his brief remarks after taking the oath, Bartolino said he was "deeply honored and grateful for the opportunity to serve as fire chief after 22 years with the department" and thanked family members and colleagues in the audience for their support. The clerk administered the oath in open session and Bartolino pledged to "perform the duties of the office of fire chief according to the best of my ability."

The commission made the appointment by resolution and voted unanimously to confirm the city manager's nomination. Commissioners praised Bartolino's experience and the broad support he received from the department. The confirmation follows the city's routine appointment process and does not include additional conditions or amendments to the appointment in the meeting record.

The commission did not take further action on departmental staffing at the meeting; city officials noted the fire department will continue publicly announced operations and community outreach under Bartolino’s leadership.