FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Northampton’s Fire Rescue Chief Announces Retirement after 32 Years of Service, Assistant Fire Rescue Chief Nominated
Duane Nichols has announced his retirement as the City of Northampton’s Fire Rescue Chief. Chief Nichols joined the Northampton Fire Rescue Department in 1987, beginning a distinguished 32-year career in which he has steadily risen up through the ranks. He served as a firefighter for seven years, Shift Captain for four years, Acting Deputy Chief for one year, Training Officer for three years, and Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention/Operations for five years. He was promoted to Assistant Chief in 2007, and ultimately named Chief of Northampton’s Fire Rescue Department in 2015, overseeing the department’s 68 members, as well as the Fire Prevention Bureau, the training division, and EMS and fire suppression.
Mayor David J. Narkewicz said, “I want to personally thank Chief Nichols for his 32 years of service and dedication to the city. There is no question in my mind that Northampton is a better and safer community thanks to his hard work, and we are fortunate that the City of Northampton was the beneficiary of his commitment.”
In speaking on his retirement, Chief Nichols said, “It’s been an honor to serve the department and the City of Northampton as Chief. I look forward to the next chapter of my life, which starts with spending more time with my family and doing things we enjoy together.”
Mayor Narkewicz intends to promote and appoint Assistant Fire Chief Jon Davine to the position of Chief of the Northampton Fire Rescue Department, subject to City Council confirmation. Assistant Chief Davine has been with the department since 1998, when he first moved to the Pioneer Valley. Over his distinguished career of more than 20 years, he has steadily risen through the ranks, becoming Captain in five years and Deputy Chief in 13, before being promoted to his current rank of Assistant Fire Chief in 2015.
Among other qualifications, Assistant Chief Davine received a Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Service Management from UMass Amherst, and graduated from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program in 2016. Assistant Chief Davine is also a veteran, having proudly served in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1989 to 1993.
Assistant Chief Davine is a native of Adams, Massachusetts, and a graduate of Hoosac Valley High School in Cheshire. He currently resides in Easthampton with his wife, Loren, and their twin sons, Drew and Zachary.
For more information, contact the Mayor’s Office at 413-587-1249 or mayor@northamptonma.gov.