The Town of Shrewsbury Promotes Deputy Fire Chief Seth H. Colby to Fire Chief

SHREWSBURY — The Town of Shrewsbury is pleased to announce the promotion of Seth H. Colby to Fire Chief, effective Aug. 1, 2024.

With the impending retirement of the current Fire Chief, James M. Vuona, after 32 years of service to the department, the promotion of Mr. Colby, the Town’s Deputy Fire Chief, will help ensure a smooth transition for the department and the community.

Deputy Chief Colby began his career in the Shrewsbury Fire Department in 1997 as a Firefighter, performing both firefighting and EMS duties. In 2006 he was promoted to Fire Captain and served in that capacity until 2019 when he was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief.

He also serves as the Director of the Shrewsbury Emergency Management Agency.

Throughout his career in Shrewsbury, Colby constantly strived for excellence and continuous improvement for himself and the department. Colby served as an instructor and certificate examiner for the Massachusetts Department of Fire Services and has pursued several degrees from various institutions, He earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration – Fire and Emergency Services and a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science while serving full-time on the Shrewsbury Fire Department.

During his time as Deputy Chief, Colby worked to optimize the operations side of the Shrewsbury Fire Department related to the department’s life safety functions for building permits and other permits the department manages.

Additionally, Colby led the effort to transition the Town’s fire prevention program to an electronic format, to upgrade the records management system, and implemented systems to track activities of the department and capture important data to enhance budgeting and strategic planning. 

“Deputy Fire Chief Colby has worked closely with me over the past five years to help manage and guide the progress of the Fire Department,” said Chief Vuona. “He has always been a high performer with a tremendous work ethic. I have full confidence in Seth to lead the Shrewsbury Fire Department. I fully endorse his selection and wish him the best going forward.”

Town Manager Kevin J. Mizikar stated, “I am pleased to announce the promotion of Deputy Fire Chief Colby, who has been a valued member of our Fire Department since 1997, to the position of Fire Chief. His extensive experience and dedication make him the ideal leader. I am deeply grateful for Chief Vuona’s 32 years of dedicated service and leadership, 14 of which have been as the Fire Chief. His commitment to the safety and well-being of our community has been exemplary. The Town of Shrewsbury is fortunate to have such capable and committed leaders, past and present.”

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