After 30 years of exemplary service to the Amesbury community, Fire Chief James Nolan has announced his retirement, with his last day in the office to be June 27, 2025. Chief Nolan’s retirement marks the end of a remarkable career in the fire service, which has been characterized by integrity, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.

“The City of Amesbury and the Amesbury Fire Department have been great to work for. Thirty years to many may seem like a long time, but when you enjoy doing what you do, the time goes by quickly. I have been fortunate to meet and work with great people in the Amesbury Fire Department and the fire service as whole, forging great friendships that will last after retirement", said Chief Nolan. "I will miss the people that I work with, as they are more than employees or colleagues, they are family. I hope the foundations that I have built as chief will remain, and the future administration can continue the forward direction of the department. I would like to thank the residents of Amesbury for their trust and friendship. Lastly, I would like to thank my family and friends for their support through my time with the Amesbury Fire Department. Without their encouragement and support through the years I would not be where I am today.”

Throughout his tenure, Chief Nolan has served Amesbury Fire with distinction and overseen the department’s growth while fostering a culture of collaboration and professionalism. Under his guidance, the department has responded to thousands of emergencies, implemented new training programs, and enhanced community outreach efforts to ensure public safety and preparedness. 

Chief Nolan started his career with Amesbury Fire Rescue in 1995 as a call Firefighter. He became a full-time Firefighter/EMT in 1997 and attended the Massachusetts Fire Academy for Recruit Training in 1998. He held the role of Acting Lieutenant from 2012-2013. In June of 2014 he was promoted to Lieutenant, and in July of 2015 was promoted again to Acting Deputy Chief. In 2019, Nolan was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief / Fire Prevention Officer. Following the 2022 retirement of then Fire Chief Kenneth Berkenbush, he was promoted to Fire Chief after an extensive and thorough search. He is the 6^th Fire Chief for the City of Amesbury since the position was created in 1978. 

“Chief Nolan is highly respected across our community. He is well known for his fire prevention talks and his cheerful personality. When he was promoted to Chief I remember him describing the type of chief he wanted to be, one who was active and involved, who still sat for coffee at headquarters; not someone in plain clothes behind a desk. He’s the epitome of a public servant who has spent all day and all night putting Amesbury first for many years. His retirement is well deserved. I know he’ll still stop in for coffee, and I wish him a long and relaxing retirement", said Mayor Gove. 

As Chief Nolan prepares for his well-deserved retirement, the City of Amesbury will begin the search for a new leader, including a comprehensive assessment and interview process coordinated by a contracted outside agency.