Staff Report

A retired Portsmouth firefighter has joined the Suffolk Department of Fire and Rescue as the new battalion chief in charge of emergency medical services and vehicle maintenance.

John Carl Hoffler was sworn in Wednesday by Suffolk Circuit Court Clerk W. Randolph Carter Jr., said Capt. James T. Judkins, spokesman for the Suffolk Fire Department.

A retired battalion chief from the Portsmouth Fire Department, Hoffler has 30 years experience in fire and emergency medical operations.

Hoffler and his wife, Frances, live in Suffolk with their three children: John, 21 and Justin and Samantha, both 15.