FRAMINGHAM, MA—Mayor Yvonne Spicer announced Thursday that she has appointed Michael Dutcher as the new chief of the Fire Department.
Dutcher, a 23-year department veteran, had been serving as acting chief since November, according to a city press release.
He replaces Joseph Hicks, who went on leave in November before retiring last month.
"Michael Dutcher is the right choice for Framingham's new Fire Chief," Spicer said in a statement. "I've had the chance to observe his leadership style, and he is someone that I consider a 'quiet giant.' He gets things done and inspires confidence in those he interacts with."
Dutcher, a Framingham State University alumnus, has risen through the ranks of the department in his years of service. He has served as firefighter, lieutenant, captain and assistant chief, and he's also held the title of assistant emergency management director and operations chief for the Central Massachusetts Technical Rescue Team since 2016.
As operations chief, Dutcher directs a group responsible for specialized rescues across the region and state that consists of members from 23 communities within the regional fire district, according to the release.
Dutcher, a veteran of the U.S. Army and National Guard, was once awarded a letter of recognition by the Framingham Fire Department for life-saving actions while off-duty.
The new chief is currently earning a master's degree in public administration and emergency services from Columbia Southern University.
"I'm proud to carry on Framingham's long-standing history of excellence and public service," Dutcher said in the press release. "My Dad retired from the Framingham Fire Department as a Captain in 2002. I am honored to maintain the Fire Service tradition."
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