Paul C. Frew Appointed as New Chief of the Randolph Fire Department

Paul C. Frew has been appointed as the new Fire Chief of the Randolph Fire Department. (Photo Courtesy Randolph Fire Department)

RANDOLPH — Town Manager Brian Howard and the Randolph Fire Department are pleased to announce the appointment of Paul C. Frew as the Town’s new Fire Chief.

Chief Frew was officially appointed on Monday, July 13, following a comprehensive selection process. He succeeds Chief Ronald Cassford, who retired on Feb. 27 after 33 years of service to the Department, including nearly four years as Chief. Since his retirement, Chief Cassford has continued serving the Town in a part-time role as Fire Chief Emeritus to help ensure a smooth leadership transition.

Chief Frew spent his entire career with Randolph Fire Department, having served the community for more than 32 years. He joined the Department as a call firefighter on Jan. 1, 1994, and has steadily risen through the ranks, serving as Firefighter, Lieutenant, Fire Prevention Captain, Shift Captain, Chief of Operations and Acting Fire Chief.

As Chief of Operations since 2023, Frew has overseen the Department’s daily operations, training, emergency response readiness, apparatus and equipment management, personnel development, budgeting and strategic planning.

In addition to his service in Randolph, Chief Frew previously worked as a project manager specializing in compliance and risk management and served as an instructor with the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy, where he helped train recruit firefighters and delivered professional development programs.

Chief Frew is a graduate of the Massachusetts Chief Fire Officer Management Training Program and earned Fire Chief Credentialing through the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission. He is also completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Fire Service Administration, with graduation expected this fall.

Fire service has long been a part of Chief Frew’s family. His father, Alexander C. Frew Jr., served the Randolph Fire Department for more than 35 years before retiring in 2000.

“Paul has devoted his entire career to serving the residents of Randolph and has demonstrated exceptional leadership commitment to this Department,” said Town Manager Howard. “His experience, knowledge and dedication make him the right person to lead the Randolph Fire Department into its next chapter. I also want to thank Chief Cassford for his years of outstanding leadership and service to the Randolph community.”

As Fire Chief, Frew said his priorities include strengthening firefighter health and safety, improving shift strength and enhancing emergency preparedness, supporting professional development, maintaining fiscal responsibility, pursuing grant opportunities and expanding community risk reduction initiatives.

Chief Frew said he is honored by the opportunity to lead the Department where he has spent his entire career.

“It is truly a privilege to lead the organization that has meant so much to me and my family,” said Chief Frew. “I look forward to working alongside the dedicated members of the Randolph Fire Department as we continue providing the highest level of service to our community. Collectively, we will build upon the Department’s proud tradition and continue to prioritize firefighter safety, professional development and exceptional emergency response.”

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