New Peabody Fire Chief: Veteran Firefighter Jay Dowling Gets Call To Lead Department

PEABODY, MA — Veterans Peabody firefighter Jay Dowling, a Peabody Veterans High alumnus who joined the fire department in 1996, is the city's new fire chief.

Dowling replaces Joe Daly, who announced his retirement this spring after serving four years as chief.

Mayor Ted Bettencourt announced Dowling as the new chief, saying: "Our community is in good hands with Jay at the helm of the department."

Dowling earned an Associate's Degree in Fire Science from Northshore Community College and a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Salem State University.

He is certified by the Massachusetts Fire Academy in Fire Prevention, Hazardous Materials and Advanced Fire Investigation.

"I am looking forward to the work and responsibilities of being chief," Dowling said. "It is a great honor to be able to lead the men and women of the Peabody Fire Department and to serve and protect the citizens of my hometown."

Dowling was elevated to lieutenant five years after joining the department in 2001 and then to captain in 2004. He was named deputy chief in 2021.

He is also a longtime member of the Peabody Fire Honor Guard and serves as president of the Peabody Fire Department Relief Association.

"He demonstrated extraordinary leadership during his 17 years as captain and during these past two years as deputy chief," Bettencourt said.

Bettencourt said he will submit Dowling's appointment to the City Council on June 29 with a formal swearing-in ceremony scheduled for June 29.

Dowling officially begins his new duties on July 1.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)