Andover Names 26-Year Veteran As New Fire Chief

ANDOVER, MA — The town has named Kyle Murphy as its new fire chief. He'll take over for Michael Mansfield, who's retiring in July.

Here's more in a press release from the Town of Andover:

Town Manager Andrew Flanagan has appointed Kyle Murphy to serve as Andover’s next Fire Chief. Murphy will bring twenty-six years of experience in the Andover Fire Rescue Department to the position, including seven years of service as Deputy Fire Chief. He will succeed Chief Michael Mansfield, who announced last year that he will retire effective July 6, 2024.

Kyle Murphy’s career in fire service began in 1998 when he joined the Andover Fire Department as a full-time Firefighter and EMT. He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant in 2013, and to Deputy Fire Chief in 2017.

Murphy has extensive training in the fire service field and has earned numerous certifications including Fire Officer I and II, Fire Instructor I, Incident Safety Officer, and Fire Prevention Officer. In 2018, Murphy completed the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy’s Chief Fire Officer Training Program, a rigorous 14-week program designed to provide attendees with leadership skills essential in municipal fire service management, including administrative structure, communications, budget and financial management, human resources, emergency management and community and intergovernmental relations.

“During his twenty-six years of service to the Andover Fire Rescue Department, Kyle Murphy has distinguished himself as a respected leader in the Department through his professionalism, intelligence, and dedication to public safety,” said Town Manager Andrew Flanagan. “Throughout his career and during a rigorous selection process, Kyle has consistently demonstrated that he cares deeply about the Town of Andover and is passionate about the future of Andover Fire Rescue. I am confident that Kyle will be both an exceptional Fire Chief and a well-respected leader within the community.”

“It is a tremendous honor to be selected to serve as Andover’s next Fire Chief,” said Kyle Murphy. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my service to the community and the Department that I have devoted my career to. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Town Manager and his administration and our dedicated and talented team at Andover Fire Rescue to uphold the high standards for public safety, professionalism, and community service that our Department is known for.”

Murphy’s appointment as Fire Chief comes following an intensive selection process designed and facilitated by Municipal Resources, Inc. (MRI). Candidates were interviewed by a panel of department heads and other senior Town officials, and participated in a day-long assessment during which they completed a series of exercises designed to evaluate their proficiency in the areas of fire scene command, personnel management, resident engagement, analysis and writing, and public communications.

The appointment is subject to approval by the Select Board. It is anticipated that the Board will consider approval of the appointment during its regularly scheduled meeting on February 26.
Outgoing Fire Chief Michael Mansfield announced his intention to retire in August of last year. His departure will mark the culmination of more than 17 years of service to the Andover Fire Rescue Department as Chief. He will remain with the Department until July 6, 2024, and will work alongside Murphy throughout a 90-day transition period beginning on April 1. This transition period is intended to provide the incoming Chief with the opportunity to develop increased familiarity with the various functions of the position.

“In the course of his 17 years of service to the Town, he has worked tirelessly to make Andover Fire Rescue among the most well respected local public service agencies in the Commonwealth,” said Town Manager Andrew Flanagan. “He has skillfully guided the Department through unprecedented challenges, including the Merrimack Valley gas explosions and the COVID-19 crisis, and has continually elevated the professionalism of the Department.”

Murphy grew up in Andover and is a graduate of Andover High School. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in business administration from New England College. Prior to joining the Andover Fire Rescue Department, he worked briefly in the private sector as a recruiter. He currently resides in Andover with his wife and two children.