Retired Andover Fire Chief Harold Hayes Dies At 84

ANDOVER, MA — Retired Andover Fire Chief Harold F. Hayes died Saturday, July 3 at 84, the department said Monday.

Hayes spent more than 30 years with the department, joining it in 1961 and retiring in 1996 after a decade as the chief.

Hayes was an Andover native who graduated from Andover High School. He served in the U.S. Navy, the Navy Reserve and the Coast Guard Reserve.

"During his tenure as chief, he implemented numerous innovative initiatives, including requiring all newly hired firefighters to graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and to become certified emergency medical technicians (EMT)," the department said in a news release. "He was also instrumental in developing the two-tiered emergency medical services system in collaboration with Lawrence General Hospital (LGH)."

Under that system, Lawrence General paramedics respond alongside Andover Fire Rescue EMTs when necessary.

Hayes hired the town's first female firefighter and introduced digital records to the department.

"Chief Hayes made great strides in helping our department to become a more modern, advanced and forward-looking organization," said Chief Michael Mansfield ina. statement. "He will be truly missed and the many contributions that he made to the Andover community will not be forgotten. On behalf of the department, I send my deep condolences to his family."

Hayes served on organizations including the state Fire Chiefs Association, the National Emergency Medical Services Association and the Town of Andover Patriotic Holiday Committee. For many years, he served on the board and as president of the New England Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Funeral services will be held privately.

Christopher Huffaker can be reached at 412-265-8353 or chris.huffaker@patch.com.