Manheim Township Fire Chief Rick Kane has announced he will leave his post by the end of the year. He plans to join a private company in January 2022.

Kane has been with Manheim Township Fire Rescue since 2007. He is credited with several major accomplishments, including transitioning the township's three fire stations located at Neffsville, Eden, and southern Manheim into the Manheim Township Fire Rescue Department and adding full-time career firefighters to the ranks to replace the dwindling number of volunteer firefighters. Kane also established the office of fire marshal and created a Life Safety Inspection Program for all commercial businesses in Manheim Township.

He developed the township's initial strategic fire rescue plan and updated it. He has also served as the township's emergency management coordinator during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2011, Kane was recognized with the Alan Brunacini Fire Service Executive Safety Award, presented by the International Association of Fire Chiefs, for his demonstrated and unique commitment to fire-service health and safety.

A search for Kane's replacement began immediately. The township intends to bring a new fire chief on board in December to spend time working with Kane before his departure.