Photo: City of Boston
BOSTON (WBZ NewsRadio) — While speaking at the Blue Hill Boys and Girls Club in Dorchester on Thursday, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu named Rodney Marshall as the first Black fire commissioner in Boston Fire Department history. She also thanked Fire Commissioner Paul Burke for his service, as he retiring at the end of April.
“It is my honor to recognize and introduce Boston's next fire commissioner, Rodney Marshall,” said Wu. “Rodney will bring more than three and a half decades of experience in the Boston Fire Department to this role.”
Marshall previously served as Chief of Operations for BFD and as an executive officer under former Commissioner Burke. Burke then took the stage to thank Wu and congratulate Chief Marshall on his new title.
“As my team comes to a close, I could not be more confident in the leadership of Chief Rodney Marshall,” said Burke. “I have seen firsthand his steady leadership, sound judgement, and commitment to our mission.”
Marshall was then given the microphone, where he thanked Massachusetts officials, fellow firefighters, and his family for the opportunity.
One thing he heavily focused on was becoming closer to the children in the community.
“I want city kids, kids from every neighborhood, to be able to walk in, see the trucks, talk to the firefighters, and experience the wonder and excitement of seeing this job up close,” said Marshall. “I hope someday that one of those same kids who will visit a house will be up on this stage one day, replacing me as fire commissioner.”
Local 718 President Sam Dillon gave closing remarks at the ceremony. Commissioner Marshall is expected to be sworn in by the end of April.
WBZ NewsRadio’s James Rojas (@JamesRojasMMJ) reports.