Dover's New Fire Chief Has Long History with Westwood Fire Department

Gerard T. Smith was Westwood Fire Department's first paramedic hire, and as of September 8th, following more than two decades of experience, he is officially the new chief of Dover Fire Department.

The Boston resident was selected by Dover's Board of Fire Engineers, which chose him from a group of four finalists.

"We conducted an exhaustive search and determined that Chief Smith was the best fit of all the applicants to lead the Dover Fire Department into the future. Based on his past experience and community involvement, Chief Smith will surely be an asset to the Dover community," said Kate Cannie, Chair of Dover's Board of Fire Engineers.

Dover's new hire was sworn in and pinned at the Dover Town House one day after his official start of duties. Chief Smith takes the reins from Interim Fire Chief James W. Wright.

"My top priority is to ensure that firefighters, citizens and the businesses of Dover are provided with safe, efficient, and high-quality emergency services," said Chief Smith.

Chief Smith served as a firefighter/paramedic with Westwood Fire Department for 24 years, including seven years as a lieutenant. During his time with Westwood, he was a recipient of the department's Medal of Valor and was a member of the department's Dive Rescue Team. He has served on the department's Honor Guard since 2002.

Photo courtesy of Town of Dover. Dover Fire Chief Gerard T. Smith officially started his new duties on September 8, and was pinned and sworn in during a ceremony at the Dover Town House on September 9.

Chief Smith was an avid volunteer for Westwood's organized sports, including coaching Westwood Girls Lacrosse, Westwood Little League, and Westwood Pop Warner, the latter two for which he also served as a medical director. He coached Westwood Youth Soccer where he was president, and coached Westwood Youth Lacrosse League, which he co-founded. 

Chief Smith was active in the community as president of Westwood Gridiron, instructor for Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, community CPR instructor, and participant in Westwood Council on Aging's Meals on Wheels and Handy Man programs.

He graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy in 2001 and holds a bachelor of science degree in fire science from Waldorf University, an associate's degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University, and a paramedic certification from Massachusetts Bay Community College.

Thanks to the Town of Dover for sharing its news with Westwood Minute.

For hyperlocal news like this, subscribe to Westwood Minute!

You may also be interested in:

- How Westwood Area Schools Fared in U. S. News's State, National Rankings of Public High Schools

- Westwood Residents Reject Funding Request for Proposed Fire Station 1, Again (UPDATED)

- Season’s Second Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts is in Essex County

- Westwood's Search for Its Next Town Administrator is Underway