Sudbury Names New Fire Chief

SUDBURY, MA—A new chief has been named to head the Sudbury Fire Department.

Town Manager Melissa Rodrigues announced on Thursday that Assistant Fire Chief John Whalen has been selected as the new Fire Chief in Sudbury.

“After an extensive internal process with several qualified candidates, I have selected John Whalen to serve as the Town of Sudbury’s next fire chief,” Rodrigues said in a statement. “John stood out based on his administrative experience and understanding of the Town’s structure, budget and protocols. I’m looking forward to serving with him and to continuing the great traditions of the Sudbury Fire Department.”

After 36 years with the department, Chief William Miles is retiring at the end of the month.

“Chief Miles will be sorely missed,” Rodrigues said in a statement. “He has made a long lasting mark on this town with his work on our ambulance service and the relationships he has forged. I know that Assistant Chief Whalen will continue on the great work that Chief Miles has done and will continue to modernize and better our department over the years.”

Deputy Chief Whalen has been Sudbury's assistant chief since 2010, prior to that a lieutenant at the Ayer Fire Department for 30 years. He is a certified EMT, and is accredited as a Fire Chief through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission.