Robert Rivas was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director at the Gloucester Fire Department in Massachusetts.

Assistant Chief Rivas joined the Gloucester Fire Department in 1997 as a firefighter and EMT, and advanced to the rank of Lieutenant in 2014. He has extensive training in emergency response operations and is also trained in advanced fire skills, fire inspection and code enforcement, building construction for fire protection and fire protection systems and equipment. 

He was named Massachusetts Firefighter of the Year in 2013. 

“I’m really looking forward to my new role within our Department,” Assistant Chief Rivas said. “We have a great group here in Gloucester all the way through the ranks. If I can help maintain the progress of Chief Smith and both Assistant Chiefs before me in providing the citizens of Gloucester with outstanding fire protection, emergency medical services and prevention then I’ll have done a good job.”

Assistant Chief Rivas replaces retired Assistant Chief Joseph Aiello, who served the department for 34 years.

Prior to joining the Gloucester Fire Department, Assistant Chief Rivas served as the assistant harbor master in Beverly for approximately three years, and he served in the United States Coast Guard from 1992 to 1996. 

Congratulations!