Submitted by the Mayor's Office:

Mayor Arthur Vigeant said he will announce Capt. James M. Fortin as Marlbrough's newest fire chief tonight at the City Council meeting. Effective at 8 a.m. tomorrow morning, Captain Fortin will serve as acting chief.

“Captain Fortin is the right person to lead the Marlborough Fire Department,” stated Vigeant. “He has a commitment to excellence and a proven track record of integrity and professionalism that will serve our city well for years to come.”

Fortin has been with the Marlborough Fire Department since 1983 and is a lifelong city resident. He was promoted first to lieutenant in 1997 and to captain in 2006.

The process of hiring a permanent chief was a thorough and deliberate process that attracted more than 25 applicants including several out-of-state candidates. A search committee that included Personnel Director David Brumby, City Councilor Rob Seymour, Chief John Blood of the Hudson Fire Department, Chief Rob Sideleau of the Leominster Fire Department, and Firefighter Mike Buckley of the Marlborough Fire Department trimmed the list of applicants down to seven semi-finalists.

Vigeant said Fortin’s deep-rooted commitment to Marlborough, administrative skills, and knowledge of the fire sciences separated Fortin from a field of talented candidates.

“Captain Fortin leads by example and his track record of integrity and professionalism were evident throughout the entire process,” said Vigeant.

“As a lifelong city resident, I’m humbled by the opportunity to lead the Marlborough Fire Department. I look forward to working with my fellow firefighters, the City Council, and Mayor Vigeant to ensure that Marlborough has a first class fire department,” stated Fortin.