Sullivan appointed interim Chief following retirement of 37-year veteran Kevin Kelleher

Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone announced that Deputy Fire Chief Patrick J. Sullivan III has been named Acting Chief Fire Engineer following the recent retirement of Chief Kevin Kelleher. Sullivan has 29 years of service with the Somerville Fire Department, and is a lifelong Somerville resident.

“Deputy Fire Chief Sullivan has not only served the Somerville Fire Department with distinction and dedication for nearly three decades, he has played a critical role in helping to advance numerous department initiatives including enhancing emergency response capabilities. I have full confidence that he will skillfully lead the Department through this transition as our chosen interim Chief,” said Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone.

“It has been a true honor to serve the City of Somerville for nearly three decades, and it will be my distinct honor and pleasure to fulfill the role of Acting Fire Chief,” said Acting Chief Sullivan. “Since I was a young boy, my dream was always to become a member of the Somerville Fire Department. My father was a 38-year veteran of the department, and I am lucky to have followed in both his footsteps, and in the footsteps of a great Chief, Kevin Kelleher. I look forward to continuing to serve this wonderful City and its residents.”

Acting Chief Sullivan joined the Somerville Fire Department in January, 1986, after serving in the United States Coast Guard.

The city will be working with the State Human Resources Division to determine an appropriate selection process for a new chief.

— City of Somerville