By Antonio Planas
Boston Herald
BOSTON — Boston Fire Commissioner Joseph E. Finn was recognized as the Fire Chief of the Year, an honor “richly deserved” for the veteran firefighter who has placed a premium on educating his firefighters on the risks of cancer while on duty, an agency spokesman said.
“It’s richly deserved. He’s been on the job for 33 years. He held every rank,” said Boston Fire Department spokesman Steve MacDonald. “He recognized that cancer within the fire department is something that needed to be addressed.”
Finn was honored last week in Orlando by the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, a group representing 200 chiefs in the largest U.S. cities and Canada.
MacDonald noted that Finn, appointed by Mayor Martin J. Walsh in July 2014, changed the culture within the department and emphasized the importance of using equipment properly on duty to help prevent cancer. The department has also made instructional videos about the issue, MacDonald said. He added that under Finn’s leadership, the department is getting new trucks and equipment and a new firehouse for the first time in decades.
“He has a long-range plan for the department, and with the support of the mayor, it’s moving in a direction that will benefit firefighters,” MacDonald said.
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