Westborough Marks Retirement Of Longtime Fire Chief Patrick Purcell

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough is celebrating the retirement of its longtime fire chief, who will serve his final day with the department this week.

Fire Chief Patrick Purcell will officially retire on Sunday, according to the town. The fire department will mark the occasion with a final walk and light refreshments Friday from 10 a.m. to noon.

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.

Westborough Seeks New Fire Chief

Westborough is now searching for its next fire chief.

Late last month, the Fire Chief Search Committee met at Town Hall to finalize candidate interview questions and a written exercise before entering executive session to interview candidates for the position, according to Town Manager Kristi Williams.

The committee first met July 9 to review the search process, establish an interview timeline and discuss members' responsibilities, according to a town update.

The town formed the search committee after Purcell announced plans to retire this summer. His retirement takes effect Aug. 9.

In June, Westborough sought three residents and/or business representatives, preferably with experience or familiarity with fire service operations, to serve on the committee.

Under the town charter, the Select Board appoints the fire chief for an indefinite term. The appointment process for key personnel must include a search committee, except in cases of reappointment.

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