Boston's Top FF to Retire after More Than 35 Years with FD

March 2, 2020
Named to the position in July 2015, Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph Finn said he plans to spend more time with his family and still hopes to work in the fire service in a part-time capacity.

Boston's fire commissioner announced he is retiring this month after nearly four decades with the department.

Joseph Finn's last day as Boston fire commissioner is set for March 12, he stated in a series of online updates Monday. The city's top firefighter said he is stepping down to spend more time with his family, but he also hopes to continue in the fire service in a part-time capacity.

"It’s been my honor to lead & work with the dedicated uniform & civilian staff of the BFD. …  I’ll miss the great support we receive in the neighborhoods but know that the men & women who make up the BFD are the best; highly trained professionals who serve with distinction and compassion.Trucks & tools are nice but it’s Boots on the Ground that make our mission work," he wrote on Twitter.

After serving with the Marines from 1979 to 1982, Finn joined the Boston Fire Department in October 1984. He was promoted to deputy chief of personnel in 2001 and finally named fire commissioner in July 2015.

"I want to thank Joe Finn for his years protecting (Boston) as a firefighter, and for his leadership as Commissioner," Boston Mayor Marty Walsh wrote on social media. "Under his stewardship, (the Boston Fire Department) has put a renewed focus on health and has ushered in a new era with historic investments in firehouses, training, and equipment."

In a separate statement, the mayor said a new fire commissioner will be chosen in the "coming days," WBTS-TV reports.

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