RANDOLPH — The Randolph Fire Department announces the retirement of Chief Ronald Cassford, concluding 33 years of dedicated service to the Town of Randolph.
Chief Cassford officially retired on Friday, Feb. 27, and will remain with the department on a part-time basis as Fire Chief Emeritus during the search for a permanent successor and transition period.
Chief Cassford began his career with the Randolph Fire Department in 1993. Over the next three decades, he rose steadily through the ranks, being promoted to lieutenant in 2002, captain in 2005, deputy chief in 2010 and chief of operations in 2016. He was appointed Fire Chief on March 14, 2022, by Town Manager Brian Howard and unanimously confirmed by the Randolph Town Council.
Throughout his career, Chief Cassford prioritized securing outside funding to support the department’s operational and capital needs. Building on earlier efforts that secured nearly $2 million in federal and state funding, he ultimately helped bring more than $4.5 million in competitive grant funding to the department. These funds supported apparatus purchases, personal protective equipment upgrades, self-contained breathing apparatus replacements, technology improvements and firefighter staffing.
Chief Cassford also led the modernization of the department’s technology infrastructure. Drawing on his background in electronic engineering and network systems, he implemented upgrades that improved reporting, communications, incident tracking, training coordination and administrative operations. These improvements helped the department to meet modern emergency response demands and federal compliance standards, including integration with the National Incident Management System.
Working closely with town leadership, Chief Cassford also played a key role in long-term capital planning for the department. His efforts helped ensure the maintenance of reliable frontline and reserve apparatus, the acquisition of updated lifesaving equipment and sustainable operational planning. During his tenure, the department reached the highest staffing level in its history while continuing to meet increasing call volumes.
“Chief Cassford’s 33 years of service to Randolph represent a remarkable career defined by leadership, innovation and dedication to public safety,” said Town Manager Howard. “His work to modernize the department, secure critical grant funding and strengthen staffing has positioned the Randolph Fire Department for long-term success. On behalf of the Town, I thank Chief Cassford for his commitment to our community and wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement.”
“Serving the Town of Randolph for the past 33 years has been an honor,” said Chief Cassford. “I am deeply proud of the men and women of this department and the progress we have made together — strengthening staffing, modernizing our technology and securing the resources necessary to protect our community. I am grateful to the Town Manager, the Town Council, and most importantly, the firefighters and residents of Randolph, for their trust and support over the years.”
Chief Cassford will continue to support the department during the transition period while the Town conducts a search for the next Fire Chief.
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