NORTHAMPTON — After more than three decades of working at the city’s fire department, Chief Duane Nichols will retire.
“I spent my whole career in Northampton,” he said.
His last day on the job will be later this month.
Northampton Fire Rescue is currently running smoothly, making it a good time for his exit, he said. “It’s just an opportune time for a transition — no one is going to inherit any real problems.”
Nichols, 54, grew up in Williamsburg and now lives in Westhampton. Working for the city runs in his family. His father worked for the Northampton Police Department for 29 years, and his brother also for the police department for more than 30 years.
First, Nichols started as a firefighter, then worked his way up to becoming assistant chief in 2007 and then chief in 2015.
Reflecting on his 32 years at the department, he said, “I think the neat thing working all these years here is watching the department grow.” When he started in 1987, he said the department only responded to fires, but in the years since it has expanded to respond to EMS calls.
“Back when I started we probably did 1,200 to 1,400 calls a year. Last year we surpassed 7,000,” he said. “We’re averaging 20 calls a day — we’re a busy service now.”
Mayor David Narkewicz plans to tap Assistant Fire Chief Jon Davine to takeover from Nichols as chief, he announced on Tuesday. City Council would need to approve the appointment.
Davine, who is originally from Adams and currently lives in Easthampton, has been working at the fire department since 1998 and became assistant fire chief in 2015.
“To me, personally,” Nichols said, “it’s nice to be able to hand over the reins to him and let him take over.”
Greta Jochem can be reached at gjochem@gazettenet.com.