GROVELAND – The following is a statement from retiring Groveland Fire Chief Robert E. Valentine.
“In November of 2024, during a visit to my doctor for a seasonal respiratory infection, my doctor found inconsistencies with my chest X-ray, and I was referred to a pulmonologist. At the follow-up appointment, which included scans and blood testing, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a chronic, incurable progressive lung disease. After serving for nearly 50 years as a firefighter, my body was starting to show the telltale signs of my career.
“I informed the Town of Groveland of my diagnosis, and I was cleared by my doctor to return to work with medication to manage the progression of the disease. Until recent weeks, I had every intention of remaining in the job I love through at least my 65th birthday. I continued to respond to virtually every call for service in the Groveland Fire Department, and as has been well-documented, I have put myself out there in contention to advance my career.
“In June 2026, within a week of Father’s Day, I responded to and worked at two structure fires as a mutual aid responder – one in Georgetown and one in West Newbury. I became progressively sicker after each fire, and my wife – who generally has my well-being in mind much more than I do – made an appointment for me to visit again with my pulmonologist.
“At the doctor’s appointment on July 16, I was handed a letter from my doctor informing me that she deemed my career in the fire service to be over effective immediately, due to the sudden progression of my lung disease. My doctor informed me that she determined that continuing my career would be “counterproductive” to the treatment of my disease.
“This was devastating news. I am a stubborn firefighter. It is my life’s work, and I had no intention of leaving the job I love.
“I notified the Groveland Town Administrator on the following Monday morning, July 20, and was placed on sick leave at that time, pending my retirement.
“I notified the Groveland Fire Department members on Tuesday, July 21.
“That evening, the firefighters moved me to tears when they had me make my final radio call over the airwaves, and then they drove me to my home in Groveland aboard Engine 3, the newest fire truck in our fleet, where more than a dozen of my fellow fire chiefs were waiting.
“The fire service is a noble calling, staffed by good and decent human beings who, regardless of whether they are career, call or volunteer firefighters, respond day in and day out to all manner of emergencies in our communities. It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve alongside these dedicated men and women for the past 47 years, and I will miss reporting for work every day.
“Thank you to the citizens of Groveland for your support and warm hospitality welcoming me into your community nearly eight years ago, and thank you to the members of the Groveland Fire and Police Departments for your professionalism and commitment to our town.
“While this chapter has ended sooner than I expected, I leave knowing I was fortunate to spend nearly five decades serving others in a profession I loved.”
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