OUR TOWN

MILLBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT
SUMMARY
This could easily be known as the “year-of- loss” for the Fire Department.
We lost a great man with the passing of ret. Fire Chief Richard F. Plante in August, 2011. Richie
was dedicated to the Fire Department and especially dedicated to the Rescue Squad and the Fire
Prevention Program. Richie left us way too early-and he will be greatly missed. We also lost
past members Anthony Army and Dan Zimage. The last bell rang too soon for some very special
people.
Asst. Chief Jeffrey Dore retired on April 30, 2012 after 46-years of dedicated service to the
Town and the Millbury Fire Department. Jeff was responsible for the Firefighters Monument in
front of Fire Headquarters and started the annual Firefighters Memorial Service program. Over
the years, Jeff served as Civil Defense Director and President of the Millbury Firefighters Relief
Association. Besides answering calls, doing inspections, and acting as the Department’s Safety
Officer, Jeff was very dedicated to the Fire Prevention Program and was the Department’s
certified Life Safety Educator. Jeff will continue to help the Fire Prevention Program and the
Fire Department every way that he can. Lt. James Ward retired on June 30, 2012 after more than
38-years of service to the Fire Department. Jimmy was the lieutenant on Rescue 1 and will be
remembered for his quiet way of getting things done. Both men are wished a long and happy
retirement.
Yet another loss to this fire department was the departure of Fire Chief Matthew R. Belsito in
May, 2012. Chief Belsito fulfilled a lifelong dream by becoming the full-time fire chief in the
Town of Sutton. Although only a few miles down the road, his departure left a void in Millbury
that will be hard to fill. We wish Chief Belsito all the best in his new position.
A very special thank-you should be given to the Millbury Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
This wonderful group of dedicated ladies continues to be a great asset to our Department. One of
the very many aspects of their job is to assist us at large fires by providing, food, water, and
dry-clothing. This group of hardworking ladies is always ready and willing to respond whenever
and wherever needed. Thank you for your continuing support.
In closing, a thank-you should be given to Regina Markey, the Board of Selectmen, the Town
Manager, and all town departments for their help and continuing support. A special thank you
goes out to our dispatchers, police officers, and police chief who send us where we are needed
and look over us as we work.
Last but certainly not least, the true backbone of the Department-the chiefs, the captains,
lieutenants, firefighters, and recruits. Thank you for the outstanding job you do. You serve this
Department and your community with dignity and pride. These individuals are what make the
Millbury Fire Department “the best of the best”- the townspeople should be proud of them!
This report is submitted on behalf of former Millbury Fire Chief Matthew R. Belsito.
Respectfully,
David J. Rudge, Fire Chief