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Date: 4/20/2021
GOSHEN – After serving 32 years on the Goshen Fire Department and 15 years as the state’s first female fire chief, Susan Labrie has announced plans for her upcoming retirement.
In 1989, Labrie became a member of the Goshen Volunteer Fire Department. Prior to the Fire Department, she served as a systems analyst for MassMutual in Springfield.
In 2006, Labrie climbed the ladder to become the first female fire chief in the state of Massachusetts.
She claimed, “I never made a big deal of it. I never looked for special consideration … I was treated the same as all.”
Throughout her work in the department, Labrie said she was among a great group of firefighters. Many people consider this a “brotherhood,” but to Labrie, it was a second family.
“I will miss being on the department in general. It’s a great camaraderie, and I will miss the people the most,” said Labrie.
She added, “I will also miss teaching fire prevention safety to grade schools at New Hingham Elementary School.”
Reflecting back on all her accomplishments within the department, Labrie shared, “I was successful in grant writing.” With this skill, she was able to improve and update equipment, including a new fire engine, brush truck, chief’s vehicle (which she drove directly to the scene), compressors, and a gear washer and dryer.
Through grants, Labrie was able to obtain the best equipment to keep everyone safe, and equipment that the department didn’t already have.
With these updates, Labrie believes her department is in a great place.
Additionally, over the past three years, the Goshen Firefighter Association has been able to purchase recreational space and an upstairs gym to help people stay in shape.
Labrie said, as this is a volunteer space, people are in here more often than usual – utilizing the equipment and space provided for them.
Outside of the firehouse, Labrie has served as Chesterfield’s Town Administrator, since 2011, “I held both jobs simultaneously for the last 10 years,” stated Labrie.
On June 20, Labrie will retire from both of her positions.
Labrie said a teleconference with the Goshen Selectboard on how to post the position for fire chief has taken place. In the meantime, an officer will step up to fill the position internally, until the job is posted, she added.
Labrie put the blame for her retirement on COVID-19.
“With both positions, the pandemic has added so much work,” she said. Labrie better described this as “COVID burnout.”
She added, “I planned on retiring at 60, but decided to go a little sooner.”
During the pandemic, Labrie said she has had a substantial amount of extra paperwork, grants and town meetings to undertake.
“I’m ready for a break,” Labrie told Reminder Publishing. “When the world opens, my husband and I want to travel,” she added.
Labrie and her husband Bob have three daughters. Bob Labrie retired from the Fire Department in March. Their youngest daughter also serves as a volunteer in the department.
“We would like to go off and see our kids and see the world,” said Labrie.
While her husband is already enjoying retirement, Labrie said she looks forward to joining him as they begin the next chapter in their lives.