Manchester Assistant Fire Chief Completes Decorated 25-Year Carer

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester Assistant Fire Chief Josh Beaulieu Friday worked the last day of a 25-year career.

He was hired in August of 1998. He originally operated as a firefighter paramedic before being promoted to lieutenant, with assignments at multiple stations before again being promoted to battalion chief in 2009.

As battalion chief, Beaulieu assumed the designation of Car 5, and became responsible for all aspects of EMS operations in the department. He was instrumental in developing apparatus-based paramedic deployment, the integrated patient care team concept and pit crew CPR, giving Manchester one of the best ALS response times and highest cardiac arrest survival rates in the country.

In 2021, he was promoted to assistant chief of operations, where he was instrumental in facilitating the merger between Manchester Fire Rescue EMS and the 8th District Fire Department.

Beaulieu served on multiple committees, both locally and at the state level and oversaw scores of projects and initiatives, earning recognition and multiple accolades, including the Public Health Commissioner's Award and the CEMSO designation.

"Chief Beaulieu leaves the department having responded to an untold number of incidents and having impacted nearly every aspect of operations. Best wishes for a happy and healthy retirement," fire officials said.