Randolph Fire Chief Will Retire In January After 3 Decades

RANDOLPH, MA — Randolph fire Chief Richard Donovan will retire on Jan. 7, 2022 after over 3 decades of service, including eight years as chief.

Donovan joined the Randolph Fire Department in November 1988. He was promoted to lieutenant in January 1999, then became captain in October 2002 and deputy chief in September 2009.

He was named the department's first chief of operations in June 2013, and became Randolph's eighth fire chief on Jan. 8, 2014, Town Manager Brian Howard said.

During his time as chief, Donovan also served as the town's emergency management director, oversaw operations during the coronavirus pandemic and chaired the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

"Throughout his career in fire services, Chief Donovan has worked tirelessly to ensure the safety and well-being of the Randolph community while continuously finding innovative ways to improve upon our fire department to ensure it operates at its fullest potential," Howard said.

The chief is credited with overseeing construction of the North Randolph Fire Station, replacing the entire fleet of frontline response vehicles, enhancing a program that assesses hazards seniors may face at home, assisting in the development of a public safety course at Randolph High School and more, Howard said.

Donovan graduated from the Chief Fire Officer Training, a program of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and the University of Massachusetts Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management.

He also holds a degree from Suffolk University's Masters Program in Local Leadership for Public Safety.

"It's been a pleasure and honor to serve alongside the members of the Randolph Fire Department, past and present. The challenges over the past couple of years with the onset of COVID-19 have been many, however the men and women of the Randolph Fire Department persevered and overcame the unknowns, continuing to serve the community without disruption or hesitation," Chief Donovan said. "I am confident that upon my retirement the department will continue to grow and serve the community with distinction."

The Randolph Fire Department is in the process of selecting a new chief, Howard said.