Change of command at the Fall River Fire Department with Chief St. Martin's retirement

Jo C. Goode, The Herald News
·2 min read

FALL RIVER — There will be a changing of the guard at the Fall River Fire Department with Fire Chief Roger St. Martin retiring soon and District Fire Chief Jeffrey Bacon’s appointment for the job going before the City Council on Tuesday.

St. Martin has served as a Fall River firefighter for nearly 37 years. His final day as head of the department is Feb. 10, according to St. Martin.

The fire department veteran took over as fire chief in January 2022 after Fire Chief John Lynch retired.

It was a notable first day on the job for St. Martin as fire chief when a four-alarm fire broke out at a multi-family home on Irving Street amid a raging blizzard.

Frozen fire hydrants and illegally parked vehicles hampered fire apparatus from getting to the scene and fighting the fire.

While the residents got out safely, the building collapsed.

Fall River Fire Department Fire Chief Roger St. Martin to retire next month after nearly 37 of service.
Fall River Fire Department Fire Chief Roger St. Martin to retire next month after nearly 37 of service.

Hiring from within

Bacon, a Somerset resident, did not immediately respond to a request for comment, but Mayor Paul Coogan said the district fire chief did well in interviews with the administration.

A photograph of District Chief Jeffrey Bacon from January 2018 during a student coat drive at Watson Elementary.
A photograph of District Chief Jeffrey Bacon from January 2018 during a student coat drive at Watson Elementary.

Pay raise Fall River firefighters getting a 12% raise as city and union reach a three-year deal

Coogan said he didn’t look outside the department for a chief’s candidate. Bacon is the only Fall River firefighter listed on the civil service promotion list.

“Jeff seems to have ideas on some positive changes in the department,” said Coogan. “I’ve talked with other firefighters, and they are willing to work with him. Obviously, he’ll have his role and they will have theirs.”

“I think it will be good to get some continuity going,” said Coogan.

Planning under way The commuter rail is on its way. Public safety organizations are getting crucial training.

If Bacon receives the Council vote for his appointment, Bacon will earn a salary of $180,000 a year effective Feb. 12.

The Council will vote during its regular session beginning at 7 p.m.

This article originally appeared on The Herald News: Jeff Bacon up for Fall River Fire chief pending City Council approval