By Kolby R. LaMarche

Burlington Fire Chief Michael LaChance has officially retired. After 26 years with the Burlington Fire Department, the department announced LaChance’s departure yesterday. LaChance, who began his career in 1999, served in various roles before becoming chief in 2018, leading the department through significant changes and public safety challenges.

Beginning his two-and-a-half-decade career in firefighting, LaChance joined the department as a firefighter and, over the years, advanced through ranks including lieutenant and captain, taking on increasing responsibilities. As chief, he oversaw operations for a department responding to thousands of calls annually. According to city records, 2024 data shows approximately 6,000 incidents, including fires, medical emergencies, and hazardous material responses.

During his tenure, LaChance managed the department through budget constraints in 2020, secured federal grants for updated equipment, and implemented safety protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain response times averaging under five minutes, per department statistics. He also prioritized mental health resources for firefighters and expanded fire safety education in local schools, reaching hundreds of students annually.

The department faced notable challenges over the years, many of which fell under LaChance’s leadership. His administration also navigated increased EMS demands due to the opioid and broader drug crisis, with call volumes rising 10% since 2019, according to city data.

LaChance, a Vermont native, plans to remain in the area. The Burlington Fire Department, staffed by approximately 60 personnel across four stations, continues to serve the city’s fire and EMS needs.

The department described LaChance’s 26 years as marked by “dedicated service” and noted his impact on both the organization and Burlington.

In May, Mayor Emma Mulvaney-Stanak announced LaChance’s replacement as chief, Michael Curtin, who joined the Burlington Fire Department as a firefighter in 2002. In 2024, Curtin served as Deputy Chief of Operations, and since 2005, he has served as an instructor at the Vermont Fire Academy, where he conducts training burns for firefighters.