Barrington’s Fire Chief, Richard ‘Rick’ Walker Jr., has announced his retirement, effective on June 30, 2025.
His retirement will mark over 40 years of involvement in Barrington’s Fire Department and 25 years as the Chief. Chief Walker’s accomplishments and contributions to the community are significant.
Not only was he Barrington’s first certified firefighter, he was also the Fire Department’s first full-time employee (as Chief). His tenure as Chief spanned a time period where Barrington’s population increased 33% and the Department’s call volume grew by 125%!
Chief Walker’s leadership was essential in growing the Fire and Rescue Department to meet the needs of the community. He worked closely with Town leaders regarding his plans to retire and in the past few years, his leadership efforts have shifted to preparing the Fire and Rescue Department for his departure. A part of this planning has been asking the community to increase staffing levels to ensure the high-level of service experienced by the members of the community continues as the volunteer force shrinks.
Over the next six months, Chief Walker will be transferring his tremendous amount of institutional knowledge to the dedicated group of officers in the Fire and Rescue Department. Following a successful hiring process, Barrington’s next Chief will overlap briefly prior to Chief Walker’s retirement. In June, when Chief Walker passes the torch, he will remain heavily involved in the community in his role as a School Board member, Cemetery Trustee, and his involvement in the Historical Society among other volunteer activities.
The Town has advertised the Fire Chief position with applications due by February 25, 2025. Details are available at www.barrington.nh.gov/firechief. The Town is looking for a highly experienced applicants to establish a future-proof plan to maintain the high quality and high level of service currently experienced in the community. The attrition of volunteer members and diminishing candidate pool for vacant firefighter/EMT positions will continue to put significant pressure on departments across the state. Through strategic planning and the exploration of alternative models, including regionalization, the next Chief will further prepare Barrington for the future. Barrington welcomes candidates looking to complete this strategic planning as a three-year project or candidates looking for their next career. Interested candidates should review all of the advertisement materials and contact the Town Administrator, Conner MacIver, with any questions. Application materials must be submitted by February 25, 2025 to be considered in the first resume review.
Chief Walker said: “It has been an honor to serve the residents of this great Town since 1978 and as Fire Chief since July 1, 2000. I am forever grateful for the chance to lead Barrington Fire and sincerely appreciate all the people who helped me along the way. We have a great core group of people who I believe are among the best in the business. I am thankful for all the support I have received over the last almost 25 years as the Chief of Barrington Fire and Rescue.”
Select Board Chair, James Saccoccia: “The Barrington Select Board wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude and best regards to Fire Chief Rick Walker as he embarks on his retirement later this year. After dedicating 25 years of exceptional service as Chief and a remarkable 40 years in the Fire Department, Chief Walker has left an indelible mark on our community. His genuine character, intelligence, and profound wisdom have been invaluable assets to our Fire Department and the Town as a whole. Chief Walker’s leadership has not only ensured the safety and well-being of our residents but has also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and professionalism within the department. As he steps into this new chapter of his life, we extend our warmest wishes for a fulfilling and enjoyable retirement. Thank you, Chief Walker, for your unwavering commitment and service to the Town of Barrington. He will be greatly missed as Fire Chief but we are excited that he will continue to be involved in volunteer roles, including the School Board.”
Town Administrator, Conner MacIver: “Chief Walker has demonstrated an unparalleled commitment to the Town of Barrington and its residents. I will be forever grateful for the support Chief Walker has provided me over the past six years. He is an encyclopedia of Barrington’s history and is generous with sharing the wisdom he has gained from his decades of experience. He is a principled leader, a lifeline learner, and has always remained open to finding new ways to better serve the community. Chief Walker will be missed around the Town’s decision-making tables, but his legacy and impact on the community will continue to be felt into the future. I congratulate Rick on an incredible career and a well-deserved retirement.”
Fire Officer, Lieutenant Timothy Boodey said: “Chief Walker has set a remarkable standard of leadership and commitment for Barrington Fire & Rescue. I will always appreciate the support and guidance he has given to me and the other members of the fire department. I am glad that the Chief is retiring on his terms and will continue to share his passion for community involvement. I wish Rick and his family the best and thank him for his dedication and friendship.”
