New Leaders Take The Helm At Woburn Fire Department

WOBURN, MA — The Woburn Fire Department has a new leader, following the retirement Saturday of Chief Donald Kenton after 38 years of service.

The new chief is George Poole, who was named last week to succeed Kenton, according to a press release.

Most recently serving as deputy chief, Poole has been with the fire department since 2003, when he began his career as a firefighter and EMT. Over the past 23 years, he has also worked for the department as lieutenant fire prevention officer and as a captain and shift commander.

Succeeding Poole as deputy chief is Thomas Graham, another longtime member of the WFD, who has served since 2022 as a captain and shift commander.

Mayor Michael Concannon praised both of the new appointees and said Poole “has the experience, service mindset and respect of his colleagues to effectively lead our fire department into the future.”

The mayor also credited Kenton for helping to forge a “highly skilled and prepared team” and creating “state-of-the-art facilities that can meet the city’s growing needs.”

“We wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”

The Woburn Fire Department, headquartered at 731 Main St., employs roughly 85 uniformed firefighters and officers as well as administrative staff.