DURHAM - Daniel Curia, interim chief of the Durham Fire Department since December, has been named new permanent chief overseeing the city’s fire and emergency services.

“Dan brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the table with 23 years of service as a city employee,” City Manager Tom Bonfield said Monday. “Since preventing loss of life and property is the main goal for our fire department, we will continue to call upon Dan’s extensive expertise to ensure we do just that.”

Curia joined the department in 1990 and served as a firefighter until 1997. From then until 1999, he served as a fire technician, advancing to captain in 1999. In 2003 he was promoted to battalion chief. In 2008, he was promoted to assistant chief of operations.

Curia has an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology, a bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, and a master’s degree in Leadership with an Emphasis in Disaster Preparedness and Executive Fire Leadership.

He is also a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program, holds Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Center for Public Safety Excellence, and is a member of the Institution of Fire Engineers.