Burlington Mayor Miro Weinberger has appointed Michael LaChance as chief engineer of the Fire Department, pending approval of the City Council. LaChance currently serves as deputy chief of administration and public information, where he has worked to strengthen the department’s recruitment strategies and efforts.
“I am pleased to bring forward Chief LaChance to this critical public safety leadership role,” Weinberger said. “Above and beyond his professional credentials, it is undeniable that Mike is a warm and charismatic leader who cares deeply for his family, his colleagues in the fire department and our city.”
LaChance grew up in Colchester, served as a volunteer firefighter in Mallets Bay in high school and had always dreamed of joining the Burlington Fire Department. He started work as a Burlington firefighter immediately after earning an associate degree in fire science.
Over the past 10 years, LaChance has quickly ascended through the leadership ranks of the department, demonstrating a strong, collaborative and compassionate approach to his responsibilities. One of his first key projects as chief will be working with the Burlington Police Department and Howard Center to implement the city's new medically enhanced crisis response team, which is being funded in part through a grant from the state Department of Mental Health.