For Immediate Release: 1/19/2017 8:18 am
Worcester, MA (January 18, 2017) - City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. announced Wednesday that Deputy Fire Chief Michael J. Lavoie will be the City's next fire chief.
Lavoie, 57, is a 30-year veteran of the Worcester Fire Department who has served with distinction in a number of leadership roles. He is currently the Deputy Chief of Administration, in charge of the Fire Prevention, Training and Maintenance divisions.
"Throughout his career, Chief Lavoie has demonstrated true leadership and commitment to the department and the people of Worcester, and I am thrilled to appoint him as our next chief," said City Manager Augustus. "I look forward to working with the new chief to continue our efforts to modernize the department's fleet of trucks, renovate stations, invest in safety and diversify the workforce. Chief Lavoie will carry on the rich tradition of the Worcester Fire Department for many years to come."
Chief Lavoie will take over for retiring Fire Chief Geoffrey Gardell, who has led the department since August 2015.
City Manager Augustus also has promoted Capt. Martin Dyer to fill Chief Lavoie’s vacated role as Deputy Chief. Dyer, 43, is a 13-year veteran of the fire department, and for the past three years has been Company Commander of Engine 16.
Over the course of his career, safety has been Chief Lavoie's primary focus. As deputy chief, he was responsible for securing a $500,000 grant to supply the department with new Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus, or SCBA, the life-saving equipment that allows firefighters to breathe clean air during a smoky fire. He also led an effort to replace batteries in every firefighter's radio, ensuring reliable communication when lives are at stake.
Prior to his 2015 appointment as deputy, Chief Lavoie served as District Chief for the City's north end, and Fire Safety Division District Chief.
"I am honored to take the role as Worcester's Fire Chief. Since the tragic Warehouse Fire in 1999, the safety of firefighters in the department has been my primary motivation, and I plan to continue that focus as chief," said Chief Lavoie. "My biggest goal is to leave the department better than when I found it."
Chief Lavoie's appointment is effective Sunday, January 22nd. A swearing-in ceremony will be held on February 7th at City Hall. More details will be available as the event approaches.
Chief Lavoie, a Worcester native, plans to move back into the City in the coming months, per the terms of his contract.
