Chief Michael Cassidy Recognized for Service, Leadership, and Advocacy
SOUTHBRIDGE—Holliston Fire Chief Michael R. Cassidy was named the 2024 Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year at the Department of Fire Services’ 29th annual Public Fire & Life Safety Education Conference today, said State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine.
“For nearly three decades, Chief Cassidy has been a passionate advocate for fire safety education, especially when it comes to children and other vulnerable residents,” said State Fire Marshal Davine. “He is a local, regional, and national leader in community risk reduction, a reliable contributor to our annual conference, and one of the most effective, experienced, and respected leaders in our field.”
Also nominated for the annual award were:
- Captain Brian Tyson of the Barnstable Fire Department
- Captain William Paskiewicz of the Billerica Fire Department
- Team Billerica from the Town of Billerica
- Captain Jason Malinowski of Boxborough Fire Department
- The Seniors First Program of the Bridgewater Fire Department
- Chief Michael Cassidy of the Holliston Fire Department
- Firefighter Jason “Otis” Wilson of Millis Fire Rescue
- Ms. Becky Saucier of Mullein Hill Christian Academy in Lakeville
The candidates for this year’s award were nominated by their fire departments, community residents, local schools. Each received a certificate recognizing their nomination and commitment to the interests of fire prevention and safety. The winner was selected by a panel drawn from the fire service and the Fire Safety Division of the Department of Fire Services.
“The judges had their work cut out for them, and each of the nominees should be proud of the recognition by their communities, their peers, and the fire and life safety community,” said State Fire Marshal Davine.
The ceremony capped off two days and dozens of workshops led by professionals from the fire service, public education, public health, community risk reduction, and related fields. More than 250 fire and life safety educators attended on each of the two days.
The following is what was read for the presentation to Chief Cassidy:
Chief Cassidy was nominated by the Blessed Beginnings Preschool, King Philip Regional High School, and his colleagues at Holliston Fire. Chief Cassidy has spent nearly three decades helping the most vulnerable members of his community – and all our communities – to protect themselves from fire and other hazards. From the early days in the 1990s, when he was known as “Firefighter Mike,” to his current work at the national level, he’s one of the most effective, experienced, and respected leaders in our field.
Whether it’s in a first-grade classroom, a local library, Holliston Cable Access, one of this week’s workshops, on the stage of the 2024 Safe States Alliance Conference, or in the station leading a firehouse tour, he’s everywhere you look. And he’s always, always, sharing the safety messages that have driven Massachusetts child fire deaths to the lowest levels in history. With enthusiasm, expertise, and extraordinary commitment, it’s fair to say Chief Cassidy has helped raise a fire-safe generation of families, both in Holliston and across the Commonwealth.
Please join me in recognizing the 2024 Fire & Life Safety Educator of the Year, an absolute legend, Holliston Fire Chief Michael Cassidy.
Congratulations Chief!! Well deserved.