For Immediate Release

Wednesday, July 19, 2017

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

Jen Collins-Brown Named Topsfield Fire Chief

First Female to be Appointed Chief in Topsfield, Essex County

TOPSFIELD — The Topsfield Fire Department is pleased to announce that Jen Collins-Brown has been named the next fire chief of the department.

The Board of Selectmen voted to bring Collins-Brown on as chief during a meeting on July 10. She replaces former Chief Ronald Giovannacci, who retired in January.

Chief Collins-Brown’s appointment makes her the fourth female fire chief in the state and the first in Essex County.

“It is such an honor to be one of few female fire chiefs in the state and the first to lead the Topsfield Fire Department,” Chief Collins-Brown said. “I’ve spent my entire career at this department and every day has been something new. I’m excited to delve into this role and continue serving the Topsfield community.”

Collins-Brown began with the Topsfield Fire Department in 1987 as a call-firefighter and EMT. Over the years, she worked her way up the ranks, becoming a lieutenant in 1994 and then captain in 2002. She also obtained her paramedic certification to better assist residents while working on the department’s ambulance.

In between her time at the fire department, Chief Collins-Brown worked as an occupational therapist and served in various leadership roles at surrounding hospitals.

During her time as a captain, she worked as the department’s EMS Coordinator, where she planned and implemented all EMS training for firefighters, and attended local and regional meetings to stay up-to-date on practices and policies.

Last month, she received the 2016 Coverdell EMS Collaborative Leadership Award for her dedication to stroke care. Under her leadership, Chief Collins-Brown has trained members of the Topsfield Fire Department to accurately recognize, treat and document the care of patients suffering from strokes.

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