Westborough Fire Chief To Retire This Summer

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough Fire Chief Patrick Purcell will retire in August after years leading the town’s fire department.

Chief Purcell’s retirement will become effective Aug. 9, according to an announcement in the town’s quarterly newsletter. The town thanked Purcell for his service, leadership and commitment to public safety, saying his work has had a lasting impact on Westborough and the Fire Department.

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"Throughout his tenure, he consistently demonstrated professionalism, compassion, and a deep commitment to serving residents and supporting his department members," the newsletter stated.

Purcell joined the Westborough Fire Department in July 1999 as a firefighter/paramedic after previously working for Worcester EMS and the Oxford Fire Department, according to a 2015 interview with Patch. He was promoted from captain to chief in October 2015.

Purcell has also held a statewide leadership role. In May 2025, he was installed as the 103rd president of the Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts during the group’s annual meeting in Westborough.

“The Town thanks Chief Purcell for his many contributions and wishes him a happy, healthy, and well-deserved retirement,” the newsletter stated.

As of Tuesday, the town had not posted a fire chief opening on its public employment page. Westborough’s Town Charter says the Select Board appoints the fire chief, who serves for an indefinite term.

Patch did not immediately receive a response from the Westborough Fire Department seeking comment and more information about the next chief.

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