Captain Joseph Kearns Appointed New Tewksbury Fire Chief

TEWKSBURY, MA — Tewksbury Fire Captain Joseph Kearns will become the department's new chief in 2021, Town Manager Richard Montuori announced Friday.

Chief Michael Hazel is retiring on Jan. 4, Montuori said.

Kearns has been with the department for over 30 years, since joining as an on-call firefighter in 1988. He has served as an acting lieutenant and captain before taking his current role permanently.

Kearns has served as the union president for the last 14 yearsand sits on the Middlesex County Retirement Board.

"In both of these roles, Kearns has gained valuable knowledge of budgeting, leadership, and mentorship," Montuori said "He has extensive experience as a volunteer youth sports coach while also fulfilling commitments to other local endeavors such as the annual Toys 4 Tots program."

“I have shown my ability to listen to everyone’s needs but also make a decision and stick by it, a skill that makes me particularly well-suited to the position of chief of this department," Kearns said.

Kearns will take over as fire chief on Jan. 5.

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