Framingham Fire Chief Will Leave Department In March

FRAMINGHAM, MA — Framingham Fire Chief Joseph Hicks will retire in early March, city officials announced Tuesday. Hicks has been chief for about four years, although his firefighting career stretches back to the 1980s.

Hicks has been on family and medical leave since November. Acting Chief Michael Dutcher will remain in the role for now. Framingham will begin a search for a permanent replacement "in a few weeks," the mayor's office said in a statement.

Hicks grew up in Framingham and began working as a firefighter in the city in 1988. He became a captain, and then deputy chief and fire marshal in 2011. He was sworn in as chief in April 2016.

Mayor Yvonne Spicer said Hicks' time as chief and his commitment to safety will leave an "indelible mark on the department."

"I come from a family of firefighters. You might say it’s in my blood. I will miss it, but I am confident in the department’s leadership team. I look forward to spending more time with my family," he said in a statement.

Hicks is the second department head to decide to retire recently. Public Works Director Peter Sellers announced his retirement in early June.