Westfield fire chief retires after more than two decades
After helping to protect the residents of Westfield for 26 years, fire chief David Kelly hung up his hat this month.
Kelly's official last day with the town's paid fire service was on Friday, March 15.
Speaking to Tap into Westfield, he stated:
“It’s been a pleasure to serve the town of Westfield. I've been very fortunate to have a dedicated group of firefighters, who have served under my command. I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Organizations and companies that are seeing their leaders retire sometimes use stationery printers to create certificates to thank them for their service.
Kelly became the department's deputy chief in 2005 before taking over the role of fire department chief 10 years later. He stepped into the position after his brother, Chief Dan Kelly, passed away.
The newly retired chief plans on moving to Vermont once the school year ends. His daughter will be graduating from Westfield High School, and his son will be finishing eighth grade.
Although he admits that he will miss his friends in town, he notes that he and his wife have decided that the time has come to move on to a new experience.
Former deputy chief Anthony Tiller has stepped into Kelly's shoes as fire chief. Tiller, who has been with the fire service since 1997, was sworn in by the town's mayor on March 15.