Use this search box to find articles that have run in our newspapers over the last several years.
Date: 1/11/2023
WARE – After 33 years in Ware, Fire Chief Christopher Gagnon has retired.
Gagnon began his firefighting career in 1984 in the town of Warren. From there, he moved to Ware as an on-call firefighter. After working in Palmer for some time, Gagnon returned to Ware in 1989.
For the past three years, Gagnon has served as the Ware fire chief.
On Dec. 30, 2022, Gagnon’s last “working day,” the Fire Department hosted an open house for the community to stop in and wish Gagnon well. Family and friends gathered over refreshments to celebrate Gagnon and share stories of his time in the department.
On Dec. 31, 2022, Gagnon officially retired.
“I will miss the people and the staff the most,” he said. “And of course, the people we help every day.”
Gagnon noted that there have been several changes throughout his time in Ware. “When I came in, there were eight full-time staff and 25 call staff,” he shared. Now, there are 20 full-time staff and 12 call staff.
Aside from personnel, Gagnon said there have been many technical changes over the last 30 years. “We used to write reports by hand but now everything is done electronically,” he explained. This includes sharing the reports with the necessary people.
As Gagnon steps down, former Deputy Chief Jim Martinez will be taking his place. Martinez was appointed as interim chief on Jan. 3.
For Gagnon, his plans are uncharted. “Now, I am going to take some time off and reset,” he shared, as time off over the past three years has been “minimal.”
“It has been my honor to serve the community,” he added. “I wish everyone safety and health.”