Crime & Safety

Update: Retired Fire Chief James Murphy Dead

Spent 38 years on BFD, 15 years leading the Department.

Belmont Fire Chief James Murphy, who served on the for 38 years, 15 years leading the department, died in his retirement home in Florida, according to a statement by the current chief at Monday's meeting.

Fire Chief David L. Frizzell told Selectmen of Murphy's death, noting that the former chief began his tenure at the Fire Department in 1959, becoming acting chief in May 1979 and then made permanent chief in May 1982. He retired in 1997 after nearly four decades on the job.

Below is the message Frizzell made to the Selectmen:

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I bring sad news to the Town of Belmont today.  Retired Chief James B. Murphy passed away on March 4, 2011 in Florida. 

Chief Murphy started his career on the Belmont Fire Department being appointed on November 15, 1959.  He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant on January 5, 1969, and to the rank of Deputy Chief on August 19, 1974. 

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He was appointed Acting Fire Chief on May 1, 1979 and permanent Fire Chief on May 10, 1982.  Chief Murphy led the Department until his retirement on February 28, 1997. 

Chief Murphy provided the Town of Belmont with 38 years of dedicated service. 


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