Mayor Kassandra Gove is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Robert Serino has been selected to serve as Chief of the Amesbury Fire Department (AFD). This decision comes after the June 30^th retirement of former Chief, James Nolan. 

“Chief Serino has established himself as a professional with top notch administrative skills and highly accomplished tactical skills. He has great understanding of the need to balance day to day functions of the department with long term vision and is committed to a community-based fire service. I am confident that under his leadership the department will continue to uphold the highest standards of service and professionalism. I look forward to working with him in his new capacity”, said Mayor Gove. 

Chief Serino began his career as a firefighter in the Town of Newbury in 2006. He has been with Amesbury Fire Rescue since 2012 serving in various rolls as a Shift Command Lieutenant, Firefighter/Paramedic and more. Serino has worked in the Fire Investigation Unit as well as played a critical role as the Grant Writer for AFD. 

Chief Serino holds a Master of Science in Emergency & Disaster Management, graduating from Massachusetts Maritime in 2017. He graduated from the Executive Fire Officer Program at the National Fire Academy in 2022 and graduated the Chief Fire Officer Management Program at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in 2024. Serino also holds several certifications and credentials, including credentialling as a Fire Chief through CPSE and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. He will be the 7^th Fire Chief for the City of Amesbury since the position was created in 1978.

“I’m honored to begin this new chapter as Fire Chief in Amesbury. Coming from a family with a proud history in the fire service, this isn’t just a career for me—it’s a calling. Just as I was raised around the firehouse, my own family stands beside me in this next chapter. Their support and shared commitment to public service are part of what fuels my dedication to leading with integrity, supporting our firefighters like family, and continuing a legacy of service that puts the safety and well-being of our community first”, said Chief Serino.

The hiring process included a comprehensive assessment center of internal candidates as well as interviews coordinated by a contracted outside agency, John Parow Consulting & Associates, a professional consulting company who specializes in Fire Chief recruitment and promotional assessment centers for Massachusetts municipal fire departments. The assessment center included addressing typical administrative and personnel responsibilities of a Chief, a tactical exercise, and a written report outlining their vision for the department. The assessment center was followed by an interview with other city leadership. The Mayor then made her decision based on recommendations and input provided. Serino’s contract as Chief is currently being negotiated and his appointment will be presented to the City Council at an upcoming meeting.

The Mayor and the City of Amesbury would like to thank Retired Fire Chief James Nolan for his dedication of service. Nolan served the Amesbury Fire Department for nearly 30 years.

John Parow Consulting & Associates
John Parow Consulting & Associates is a Chelmsford Massachusetts-based public safety consulting firm and provider of Fire executive search services. The founder, John Parrow, has over 25 years of experience in Municipal Promotional Assessment Centers and has been involved with conducting executive searches since 2014. He has served 25 years as Fire Chief in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and served as President and Chairman of the Board of the International Association of Fire Chiefs. John Parow Consulting & Associates provides a comprehensive means of selecting an individual to perform all the duties required of a Fire Chief.

John Parow Consulting & Associates has handled Fire Chief recruitment for Amesbury in the past as well as Pepperell, Fitchburg, Beverly, Manchester by the Sea, West Bridgewater, Dracut, and more.