Jerome Hart Promoted to Deputy Chief
From left: Jennifer Bradley, Chief G. Edward Bradley (ret.), Sarajean Foley, Chief Neil Foley, Deputy Chief Jerome Hart and Patricia Hart at the change of command ceremony on April 12. (Photo courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
Chief Neil Foley was pinned by his wife, Sarajean, at the change of command ceremony on April 12. (Photo Courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
Deputy Chief Jerome Hart was pinned by his wife, Patrica, at the change of command ceremony on April 12. (Photo Courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
Chief Foley was sworn in to his new position on April 12. (Photo Courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) Deputy Chief Hart was sworn in to his new position on April 12. (Photo Courtesy Plymouth Fire Department) 
Chief Foley gave remarks during the swearing-in ceremony on April 12. (Photo Courtesy Plymouth Fire Department)
PLYMOUTH — Town Manager Derek Brindisi is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Neil Foley has officially been appointed as the next chief of the Plymouth Fire Department and Battalion Chief Jerome Hart has been promoted to deputy chief.
Chief Foley was appointed as Fire Chief at the Select Board meeting on Tuesday, April 12, following the retirement of Chief G. Edward Bradley. Deputy Chief Hart was also sworn into his new role at the meeting.
As part of the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Foley and Deputy Chief Hart participated in a change of command ceremony alongside Chief Bradley. Once pins were passed on to their successor, Chief Foley and Deputy Chief Hart were pinned by their wives.
“On behalf of the Town of Plymouth and its community members, I would like to congratulate Chief Foley and Deputy Chief Hart on their respective promotions,” Town Manager Brindisi said. “Chief Foley and Deputy Chief Hart mark what is a new chapter in the Plymouth Fire Department’s history, and I’m confident that both men will continue to serve the community with dedication and distinction.”
Chief Foley has more than 20 years of experience in the fire service. He began his fire career in 2001 at the Hingham Fire Department where he went on to be promoted to the rank of lieutenant. Before joining the Hingham Fire Department, he served as an Emergency Medical Technician working for several municipalities’ 911 systems before advancing through a strenuous course to achieve his paramedic certificate.
In 2006, Chief Foley joined the Plymouth Fire Department and went on to be promoted to lieutenant in 2011, captain in 2016, and most recently to deputy chief of administration in 2019.
“With the support of my wife, Sarajean, and three sons, Cameron, Brennan and Gavin, I made the decision to transition to the Plymouth Fire Department and embrace the community where we were raising our family,” Chief Foley said. “Plymouth has been a wonderful community to serve for the past 16 years and I’m honored to be appointed to the position of Chief. I look forward to continuing to serve the community and the Department.”
As deputy fire chief, Foley advocated for and implemented numerous initiatives including the building of the new North Plymouth Fire Station and most recently the procurement of funding for the rehab of the Manomet Fire Station. He also oversaw numerous budgets, the hiring and promotion of approximately 30 firefighters, equipment and apparatus purchases, and established a social media presence for the Department.
Since 2020, Chief Foley has assisted in leading the Department through an unparalleled global pandemic. Through his advocacy, he was able to secure scarce personal protective equipment, including vaccines, and established a vaccination program for first responders and seniors in the community.
In 2021, Chief Foley earned the distinguished Chief Fire Officer Management Certification through the University of Massachusetts Center for Public Management. Foley was chosen by his peers of Chief Fire Officers in Massachusetts to be their class President.
During his time with Plymouth Fire, Chief Foley served as an elected union official for more than eight years, representing the membership and collaborating with town officials on several boards and committees. In addition, he represented the Professional Firefighters of Massachusetts on the Insurance Advisory Committee and Committee on Political Action. Chief Foley also was active as an elected Plymouth Town Meeting Representative, serving as Vice Chair of his precinct for many years.
Prior to joining the fire service, Chief Foley served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard. He was an advisor to the Company Commander and specialized in training an aviation company in Nuclear, Biological and Chemical threats before being discharged honorably in 2001. He holds numerous certifications, including Incident Command, Marine Operations, Maritime Firefighting, Public Safety Rescue Diving, Fire Investigation, Fire Officer Training, Labor Relations, and more.
Deputy Chief Hart
Deputy Chief Hart was first appointed to the Plymouth Fire Department in 1996. He then went on to be promoted to lieutenant in 2007 and captain in 2009.
Most recently, Deputy Chief Hart was promoted to battalion chief in 2020. As battalion chief, Hart was the Shift Commander for Group 3.
Deputy Chief Hart is a certified Massachusetts Emergency Medical Technician; Fire Instructor I and II; Fire Officer I, II, III and IV; Chief Fire Officer; Safety Officer; and is HazMat Operations Level certified.
Deputy Chief Hart lives in Plymouth with his wife, Patricia, and kids, Sean and Margaret.
As the Department’s deputy chief for administration, Hart will be responsible for day-to-day operations.
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