New London ― The city’s longtime fire marshal will become its newest fire chief next month, officials announced on Thursday.

Vernon Skau, a 21-year veteran of the department who also currently serves as assistant fire chief and deputy emergency management director, will succeed Thomas Curcio as head of the city’s paid fire department during a June ceremony.

“It is an honor to be selected as the next fire chief for the City of New London and to follow Chief Curcio,” Skau said in the announcement. “I am fortunate to take on a department with highly skilled firefighters and updated fire apparatus that provide professional, efficient emergency services to our families and friends across New London.”

Skau could not immediately be reached for further comment on Thursday.

Mayor Michael Passero, a former city firefighter, said Skau’s work experience, personality and leadership qualities made him an ideal candidate to oversee the department.

“The chief job is a different sort of position, one that comes with a political angle,” Passero said. “And Vern has shown he has the temperament to work in both worlds.”

Passero said no decision has been made on the naming of a new fire marshal.

Skau, a Waterford resident, has previously held key leadership positions in the Old Saybrook Fire Department, including chief. He’s earned several local, state and federal certificates in fire investigations and suppression, as well as in emergency management.

Curcio, who will retire in June after 45 years with the department, called Skau a solid and smart firefighter who’s earned a city-wide reputation for integrity during his decade-long tenure as fire marshal.

“He’s got a reputation as someone who’s easy to work with, someone with a lot of compassion,” Curcio said. “But he also has the respect of our department members.”

j.penney@theday.com