For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Aug. 9, 2017

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]

Groveland Fire Department Appoints New Assistant Chief

GROVELAND — Chief Robert Lay is pleased to announce that Kurt Ruchala has been named as the Groveland Fire Department’s first assistant chief.

Assistant Chief Ruchala joined the fire service in Rutland in 1984 before joining the Groveland Fire Department in 1996 as a firefighter. He has risen through the ranks of the department during his two decades in Groveland, earning promotions to the rank of lieutenant in 1998 and captain in 2011.

“Assistant Chief Ruchala has gone above and beyond the call of duty in every way with his commitment to the fire service” Chief Lay said. “I cannot think of anyone more deserving of this opportunity, considering his dedication to the community as well as the role he has played in our ongoing organizational transformation.”

In addition to his work in Groveland, Assistant Chief Ruchala has served on a variety of boards and committees dedicated to fire prevention and protection. He was first appointed to the Massachusetts Fire Training Council in 2012 by Gov. Deval Patrick and reappointed by Gov. Charles Baker in 2015. 

Assistant Chief Ruchala started in his new position on July 1, taking an active role in strategic planning for the department as well as leading the development of a comprehensive training plan.

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