Community Corner
Boston Fire Department To Welcome New Commissioner Friday
Paul Burke, a Roslindale native and 32-year veteran of the force will take over leadership from Commissioner John "Jack" Dempsey.
BOSTON — Commissioner Paul Burke will take over leadership of the Boston Fire Department, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said Thursday.
Burke is a 32-year veteran of the department and will be taking over for Commissioner John "Jack" Dempsey after mandatory retirement rules force him down from the seat after being appointed in 2020.
According to Massachusetts law, all firefighters must retire at the end of the month in which they reach age 65.
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In a statement, Wu called Burke a "trusted leader" as he has served as Deputy Chief for fleet and facilities and as technical rescue district chief.
"It is a tremendous honor to have the opportunity to lead our Fire Department," Burke said in a statement provided by the city. "I want to thank Mayor Wu for the opportunity to serve the residents of Boston in this role. I look forward to working with all of our firefighters to deliver this critical service to our city."
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A Roslindale native, Burke graduated from Boston Public Schools and attended the University of Massachusetts, he is also married with three children.
Boston is still looking for a new police commissioner.
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