A 26-year veteran of Andover Fire Rescue will be the department’s next chief, Town Manager Andrew Flanagan said Thursday.
Kyle Murphy, who has been deputy chief since 2017, is replacing Michael Mansfield, who is retiring on July 6. There will a 90-day transition period beginning April 1.
“It is a tremendous honor to be selected to serve as Andover’s next Fire Chief,” Murphy said in a statement. “I am grateful for the opportunity to continue my service to the community and the Department that I have devoted my career to. I look forward to working collaboratively with the Town Manager and his administration and our dedicated and talented team at Andover Fire Rescue to uphold the high standards for public safety, professionalism, and community service that our Department is known for.”
Flanagan said the search and selection process was “intensive,” and included multiple interviews and a day-long assessment.
“During his twenty-six years of service to the Andover Fire Rescue Department, Kyle Murphy has distinguished himself as a respected leader in the Department through his professionalism, intelligence, and dedication to public safety,” Flanagan said. “Throughout his career and during a rigorous selection process, Kyle has consistently demonstrated that he cares deeply about the Town of Andover and is passionate about the future of Andover Fire Rescue. I am confident that Kyle will be both an exceptional Fire Chief and a well-respected leader within the community.”
Mansfield took over the department in January 2007 and began addressing major issues, including substandard equipment, and low morale from a force that, at the time, had not had a new contract in three years.