For Immediate Release

Tuesday, June 28, 2016

Contact: John Guilfoil
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: john@jgpr.net

Groveland Fire Chief Robert Lay Receives Accreditation Through the Massachusetts Fire Services Commission

GROVELAND – The Groveland Fire Department is pleased to announce that Chief Robert B. Lay was granted accreditation for the level of fire chief by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission (FSC) on June 22.

Chief Lay is the first chief in the history of the Groveland Fire Department to earn this type of credentialing. He will receive a Fire Chief Credentialing certificate on Aug. 24 at the Fire Chief’s Association of Massachusetts’ annual meeting.

“I am honored to receive this level of recognition and remain dedicated to providing the highest level of service to the community,” Chief Lay said. “I recognize the importance of continuing my education in order to be the strongest leader that I can be for Groveland residents. I would like to thank the department for all of its support throughout this process.”

The FSC is a gubernatorial appointed board that has established a process for uniform credentialing for the level of fire chief based on education, training and experience in areas relevant to serving as fire chief. The program establishes benchmarks for training in fire and emergency service management so that chiefs may be better prepared to serve their department and community.

“The program was developed after extensive research outlining those skills important to today’s fire chief,” said State Fire Marshal Peter Ostroskey. “The process provides an equal opportunity for the volunteer, call or full-time fire service leader to meet the minimum criteria for achieving fire chief accreditation.”

Each applicant’s documentation is reviewed by a subcommittee of the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission to determine if the individual has attained a minimum level of credits for education, training and experience.

Application for accreditation is open to all fire service members in the Commonwealth serving as chief of a department, or any person holding the rank of captain or above. Participation in the program is voluntary and all eligible personnel are encouraged to partake. Credentialed participants are required to renew their credentials every three years.

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