New Fire Marshal Takes Helm In East Hampton Town

EAST HAMPTON, NY — There's a new chief fire marshal taking the helm in East Hampton Town.

This week, the Town of East Hampton welcomed Liam Keating to the position. Keating brings more than 15 years of experience in fire prevention, code enforcement, emergency response, and fire investigations to the position, town officials said.

Keating grew up in Sag Harbor and attended local schools. He most recently served as assistant chief fire marshal for the Town of Riverhead, where he oversaw fire prevention operations, coordinated inspections and investigations, and managed community fire safety programs, town officials said.

He previously served as a fire marshal for both the Town of Riverhead and the Town of Southampton.

Keating's extensive background also includes leadership positions with fire departments in Vermont and Maine, as well as service with Suffolk County Fire Rescue and Emergency Services, town officials said.

"I'm very pleased to welcome Liam to East Hampton," said East Hampton Town Supervisor Kathee Burke-Gonzalez. "He knows the East End, he has spent years doing this work, and he understands how important it is to the safety of our community. His experience will be a real asset to the town. I'm looking forward to working with him and the dedicated staff in our fire marshal's office."

In addition, Keating holds numerous professional certifications, including certified fire investigator through the International Association of Arson Investigators and certified fire and explosion investigator through the National Association of Fire Investigators. He is also a certified fire inspector, instructor, and fire officer, town officials said.

Keating also brings specialized training in lithium-ion battery fire investigations and hazardous materials response, expertise that will support the town's efforts to address emerging fire safety challenges, officials said.

His background includes coordinating hazardous materials operations and overseeing fire prevention efforts involving commercial, industrial, and other complex properties.

Keating earned his bachelor's degree in environmental studies, with a concentration in public policy and law, from Stony Brook University's Southampton campus. He serves on the board of the Fire Marshals Association of Suffolk County and is a member of several professional fire prevention and investigation organizations, town officials said.

As chief fire marshal, Keating will lead the town's fire marshal’s office, overseeing fire safety inspections, investigations, and public education efforts, town officials said.