After an extensive search process, the Marshfield Selectmen interviewed two candidates for the next Fire Chief, and voted on a new hire.
Halifax Fire Chief Jason Viveiros and Norwell Fire Chief Jeff Simpson were the two finalists. By a 2-1 vote, Simpson was selected as the new chief. Selectman Chris Rohland voted in favor of Viveiros. Selectmen Mike Bradley and Steve Darcy voted for Simpson. The three-member board felt both candidates were strong leaders, but leaned towards Simpson.
Simpson, a Marshfield resident, says he’s leaving a first-class fire department for another first-class department.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity, I’m extremely excited,” Simpson said in a phone interview with WATD. “My focus has always been working with people, that’s how I was taught by my parents — treat people with respect, and look out for people. I’m looking forward to doing the same here with the members of the Marshfield Fire Department.”
He moved to Marshfield in the late 90’s, but he has some fond memories at Sunrise Beach when he was younger.
“My father grabbed me by the arm, saying it was time to get off the beach because it got so hot, and so out of control during a third of July celebration back in the 70’s,” said Simpson. “Seeing what they called firemen back then, the firefighters now, spraying down the roofs in Marshfield. To me, that was an unbelievable situation, something that I’ll never forget.”
After high school, Simpson said he was dedicated to the fire service. He joined the Norwell Fire Department in 1991 as a call firefighter and worked night shifts. He was hired in a full-time role in 1993, and he’s worked there since.
He worked in fire prevention services in the schools, and was promoted to the rank of Captain in 2000. He was named Deputy Chief in 2019, and was appointed Chief in 2020 after Chief Andy Reardon’s retirement. As the Emergency Management Director in Norwell, Simpson organized COVID-19 testing clinics and drive-thru vaccination clinics for elderly residents.
Simpson said his favorite part of the job is the human interaction, especially with department personnel. He said training, wellness, fitness, and mental health will be key aspects with his role.
“You need those people, they’re going to propel you to the next level. My job is easy in comparison to what they have to do every day. I used to do that. I used to be out on the street, I used to be in the ambulance, providing that service and going to bad calls. They do an incredible job,” said Simpson. “It’s my job to support them, put them in a position to succeed — put them in a position to preserve the future of the Marshfield Fire Department, so that they’re prepared to take on any challenge. Whether it be COVID, a hurricane, fire, wildfire, whatever that might be.”
Simpson will take over after the retirement of Chief Bill Hocking, who retired after 34 years.
“He did incredible things, the stability that he provided, the leadership, he brought the department to new heights,” said Simpson. “The members of the department, the firefighting and the EMS services, have always been well-respected, highly-regarded in the fire service for their activities, emergency response, and community outreach.”
Deputy Fire Chief Thomas Corbo served as Acting Chief since October of 2020. Simpson’s hire was on the condition of successful contract negotiations.
