Burlington Fire Chief Michael Patterson Celebrated Ahead Of Retirement

BURLINGTON, MA — Burlington Fire Chief Michael Patterson will be retiring on Jan. 6, and colleagues and town officials have been celebrating Patterson's 34 years of service in recent weeks.

Patterson was recognized for his contributions to the department and the town of Burlington at the Dec. 12 Select Board meeting. On Dec. 16, Patterson was honored during a gathering with his peers, according to the Burlington Fire Department.

"I would like to thank all those department members I have worked with over the years," Patterson said recently. "I would also like to thank town administration and our town government for supporting our department throughout the years. Lastly, I would like to thank my immediate family for all their support. It's been an honor and pleasure to serve the town of Burlington for the past 34 years."

Assistant Fire Chief Andrew Connerty has been appointed as Patterson's successor, and Connerty recently paid tribute to the man he soon will replace as chief.

"As retirement approaches, Chief Patterson should be satisfied that throughout his career, he delivered the best service possible to the town of Burlington, its residents, its visitors, and the business community," Connerty said.

Connerty added: "As (Patterson) rose up through the ranks, he used whatever authority he had to provide the best support possible for the firefighters to do their jobs efficiently and safely so that they too could deliver the services they are called on to do. The high-quality equipment and training our members enjoy, and the high level of service our community benefits from, are a direct result of Chief Patterson's thoughtful and forward-thinking leadership."

Patterson first joined the Burlington FD in 1988 as a firefighter. He was named acting lieutenant in 1993 and permanent lieutenant the following year. Patterson served as an acting captain at various times from 1994-2002, according to the department.

Patterson was named captain in 2022, eventually serving as the Burlington FD's first training captain. He became assistant chief in 2010, and has served as the chief since late 2019.

According to the department, over the course of his career, Patterson has served on several committees focused on core issues addressing firefighter health and safety, apparatus specifications and emergency medical services.

"As training captain, Patterson spearheaded numerous training initiatives meant to make firefighters as prepared as possible to do their jobs effectively, up to and including operating new apparatus as those vehicles evolved over time," the department said in a statement.

Patterson also instituted Rapid Intervention Team training and building construction training, which helped to improve firefighters' response to fire and their safety, the department said.

Additionally, Patterson authored numerous Standard Operating Guidelines (SOGs) that are used by the Burlington FD today, including those relating to active shooter scenarios.

Patterson also spearheaded the transition to Advanced Life Support (ALS) ambulances, which provide the highest caliber emergency medical services to the community, the department said.