STOW – Town Administrator Denise Dembkoski is pleased to announce that Capt. John Paul Benoit has been selected as Acting Fire Chief.
The Stow Select Board made the appointment at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Acting Chief Benoit will serve until a permanent replacement is hired. Chief Joe Landry retired on Aug. 11 following 36 years of dedicated service to the Stow community.
Acting Chief Benoit has 35 years of experience in the fire service, joining the Stow Fire Department in 1986 as a call firefighter. He became a full-time member of the Department in 1994, ascending to Lieutenant in 1997 and Captain in 2006. Acting Chief Benoit also served as Acting Deputy Fire Chief in 2000, and as Acting Fire Chief in 2006.
Acting Chief Benoit has served in many supervisory and leadership roles during his tenure, including overseeing day-to-day operations; overseeing training and personnel matters; securing grants; and serving as an incident command officer.
Outside of the Department, Acting Chief Benoit has worked in several capacities for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, which is based in Stow. He currently is involved in Support Services, Engineering Services, and Incident Support Services.
Acting Chief Benoit also has served as a Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 1 in Stow since 1988. He is an Eagle Scout, and was recognized with the Silver Beaver Award, given to Scouters of exceptional character who have provided distinguished service within a council.
The Town has received 16 applications for the position of Fire Chief. The Town plans to begin interviews in September, and hopes to have the new Fire Chief on board as of Nov. 1.