Shrewsbury Hires New Fire Chief As Vuona Retires

SHREWSBURY, MA — Shrewsbury will promote from within to fill the fire chief job after James Vuona retires this summer after 32 years with the department.

Shrewsbury Deputy Fire Chief Seth Colby will become chief on Aug. 1. Colby has been with the department since 1997, becoming a captain in 2006, and deputy chief in 2019.

"Throughout his career in Shrewsbury, Colby constantly strived for excellence and continuous improvement for himself and the department," the town said in a news release Friday. "Colby served as an instructor and certificate examiner for the state Department of Fire Services and has pursued several degrees from various institutions including a masters in public administration (fire and emergency services) and a bachelor's degree in fire science, all while serving full-time in the Shrewsbury Fire Department."

The town highlighted several of Colby's accomplishments over the years, including transitioning the fire prevention program to an electronic format, and adding a system to track data to inform planning inside the department.

"Chief Colby has always been a high performer with a tremendous work ethic," Vuona said in a news release. "I have full confidence in Seth to lead the Shrewsbury Fire Department going forward, I fully endorse his selection and wish him the best going forward."

Town Manager Kevin Mizikar thanked Vuona for his decades of service, including the 14 he spent as chief.

"His commitment to the safety and well-being of our community has been exemplary. The Town of Shrewsbury is fortunate to have such capable and committed leaders, past and present," Mizikar said.