A public servant for the past 28 years, Joseph DeGrace III will be named the next fire chief for Massport Fire Rescue. DeGrace began his career at Massport as a firefighter in 1992. Through the years he has responded to thousands of aircraft and medical emergencies and been promoted through the ranks.
DeGrace will be the third African American fire chief in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, as well as the third African American fire chief of Index E airports, which can handle the largest aircraft in the U.S.
“Joseph DeGrace has a great wealth of knowledge and an impressive background in firefighting and emergency response,” said Thomas P. Glynn, Massport CEO. “As a deputy chief he has helped lead the department by strengthening our collaboration and partnerships among the various emergency response agencies. I am proud to support his promotion.”
DeGrace’s promotion was announced at Massport’s annual Logan SAFE and Stars event, which highlights employees who have gone above and beyond their duties to keep passengers and employees at Boston Logan and other Massport facilities safe. Prior to being named fire chief, DeGrace served as deputy fire chief of operations for five years. In this role, DeGrace managed the daily operations for the department’s 117 firefighters and coordinated training and emergency preparedness.
DeGrace has completed training programs with the MA Fire Academy, State of Connecticut and the U.S. Coast Guard, among others. He is a certified Firefighter, EMT, Hazardous Materials Technician and Fire Instructor. DeGrace has also completed leadership programs at The Partnership Inc., Bentley University and Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF) Chief and Leadership School. DeGrace is a member of the National Fire Protection Association, ARFF Working Group and the Fire Chief’s Association of Massachusetts.
“I’ve worked with Joe for 26 years. He is a visionary leader with an immense passion for helping people,” said Fire Chief Robert Donahue. “Serving as the Massport fire chief is an honor and a privilege. I’m proud to turn over this incredible responsibility to Chief Joe DeGrace.”
