Springs FD Elects New Leader

The Springs Fire Department has a new chief.

In a department election on Thursday evening, Ben Miller was elected to lead the department for 2013.

Miller ran unopposed for the position after serving as the first assistant chief behind the current chief John Claflin. Miller is a 13-year member of the Springs fire department, but also served in the East Hampton Fire Department for 6 1/2 years. He owns his own electrical company Out East Electric.

David M. King, this year's second assistant chief, will also move up in the ranks; he was elected as first assistant chief for the upcoming year.

Also, Steven Scholl was elected as second assistant chief of the department.

"Being elected chief of the Springs Fire Department is something I've wanted to do since I was a kid," said Miller. "My uncle Chuck was a chief in Springs and my grandfather Gene, uncle Gene and cousin Pete Garypie were chiefs in Sag Harbor," he said.

"It is a privilege to serve the members of the Springs Fire Department and the community of Springs," Miller said, adding that he is looking forward to working with King and School. "Sitting in the chief's position is very demanding, but I know I'm not alone. The ex-chiefs of the department are always there to help you out and I look forward to their input."

Claflin, who has been an officer since 2001, and works as an East Hampton Town police sergeant, did not seek re-election. He joined the department in 1998, and worked his way up from a lieutenant, an assistant captain, a captain, second assistant chief, first assistant chief, and then a chief. He held each position for two years.