For Immediate Release

Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2016

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

Topsfield Fire Chief to Retire after 40 Years of Service

TOPSFIELD — After 40 years of dedicated service to the Topsfield Fire Department, Chief Ronald P. Giovannacci will be retiring next month.

Chief Giovannacci will hand over the reigns on Jan. 25, ending an 85-year stint of Giovannacci family members leading the Topsfield Fire Department (the first was Amedeo Giovannacci, Chief Giovannacci’s great uncle.)

Growing up in the Topsfield fire station, watching his father, Ronald Henry Giovannacci, who served as chief from 1955 to 1997, it’s no wonder Chief Giovannacci wanted to be a firefighter from an early age.

“This is all I have ever wanted to be, all I’ve ever wanted to do, and I’ve had an amazing career in Topsfield,” Chief Giovannacci said. “It’s been fun watching members of this department grow in their roles over the years. I’ll miss the comradery and residents we serve every day.”

Community members are invited to attend a retirement open house reception on Thursday, Dec. 15 from 12-2 p.m. at the Topsfield Fire Headquarters, 27 High St. to celebrate and commemorate the Chief’s time at the fire department.

Chief Giovannacci began his career as an auxiliary firefighter in 1973 at the Topsfield Fire Department, providing operational and shelter services to the town in the event of a disaster. He remained in that role until 1977, when he became a call-firefighter and EMT.

By 1980 he had been promoted to call-lieutenant, and two years later, call-captain. During that time period, in 1983, Chief Giovannacci also started full time with the Boxford Police Department as a police officer after graduating from the Massachusetts State Police Academy. A few years later, in 1986, he was promoted to sergeant.

Back in Topsfield, Chief Giovannacci earned the role of call-deputy chief in 1994, and three years later in 1997, became chief of the department, taking over for his dad. He then ended his time at the Boxford Police Department.

As the leader of the Topsfield Fire Department, Chief Giovannacci helped create the Essex County Regional Emergency Communications Center (ECRECC), which is run by the Essex County Sheriff’s Department, and provides emergency communications services to the communities of Amesbury, Essex, Middleton, Topsfield and Wenham.

Chief Giovannacci also established a department ambulance service for the town. In 1999 the Topsfield Fire Department went to Basic Life Support and then Advanced Life Support in 2001, providing intermediate level care. One year later, in 2002, the department earned its paramedic certification. Chief Giovannacci also led fundraising campaigns to replace aging apparatus with new equipment that meets state standards.

From 2000 to 2015, Chief Giovannacci served as the President of the Essex County Fire Chiefs Association. During that time, he established the association’s EMS division as an accredited educational organization.

“We are grateful for his service, leadership and friendship,” said Capt. Jen Collins-Brown. “We wish him health and happiness as he begins this new chapter.”

The Topsfield Fire Department is also hosting a retirement party for Chief Giovannacci on Jan. 26 at The Commons 1854, 4 North Common St. Tickets are $50 and will be available at the Fire Headquarters next week.

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