Fire Chief Symonds Announces Military Leave, Interim Leadership Named
Fire Chief Jay Symonds has received military orders requiring him to take an approximately one-year leave of absence from the Town of Brattleboro. Symonds, who serves as both Fire Chief and a member of the United States military, will depart in the first week of October to fulfill his military obligations.
"Serving the people of Brattleboro has been one of the greatest honors of my professional career," said Symonds. "Public service has always been a guiding principle in my life, whether in the fire service or the military. While I am humbled by the opportunity to serve our nation during this deployment, I leave knowing the fire department and emergency management organization will continue to be guided by dedicated professionals committed to this community."
To ensure continuity of operations during Chief Symonds' military leave, Peter Lynch will serve as Interim Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director. Lynch will work alongside the department's leadership team to oversee fire and EMS operations, emergency preparedness, incident management, and departmental functions, ensuring continued delivery of the high level of service the community expects.
"The Brattleboro Fire Department has a strong leadership team and highly dedicated membership," said Symonds. "I am confident the department will continue delivering the professional, reliable service that the Brattleboro community expects and deserves during my absence. The commitment of our members and officers will ensure that Brattleboro remains well served and well prepared."
Lynch joined the Brattleboro Fire Department as a firefighter in 1984. He advanced through the ranks to Assistant Fire Chief, a position he held for nine years. In 2016, he transitioned from the department to become the Chief of Fire Service Training at the Vermont Fire Academy, later returning to the Town as the Assistant Director of Public Works in 2022.
Chief Symonds will return to the department following completion of his military assignment.
