Brian Medeiros Named New Bedford’s New Fire Chief

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — One week after New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell named the city’s new police chief, it now has a new fire chief as well.

Today, Mitchell appointed Brian G. Medeiros as Fire Chief for the New Bedford Fire Department.

“Chief Medeiros has a long record of effective service to the residents of New Bedford,” Mitchell said. “His leadership skills, experience, and commitment to data-driven decision making will enable him to lead the department in the years ahead.”

READ MORE: New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger Announces His Retirement

Medeiros had been serving as Deputy Chief under Chief Scott Kruger. Kruger announced his retirement on June 11; his final day will be July 5, after 30 years with the department.

The announcement comes eight days after Mitchell announced that Jason Thody will be the new Chief of the New Bedford Police Department.

READ MORE: Mitchell Names Jason Thody as New Bedford's Next Police Chief

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Brian Medeiros Has Long Served in the New Bedford Fire Department

Medeiros has nearly 30 years of service with the NBFD himself, having started as a firefighter in 1996. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2008, captain in 2012, district chief in 2020 and deputy chief in 2022.

“I am honored to accept the appointment as Fire Chief,” Medeiros said. “I see this role as not just a position, but a commitment to service, leadership and the safety of every member of this department and our residents.”

Candidates for fire chief in New Bedford are selected based on their performance on a state-administered Civil Service examination and assessment process.

Medeiros’s appointment is subject to approval from the New Bedford City Council.

Brian Medeiros’s Qualifications for Fire Chief

According to a City release, Medeiros earned an associate’s degree in fire science technology from Bristol Community College and has acquired Pro Board certifications in Fire Instructor, Fire Officer I and II, Incident Safety Officer, and Hazardous Materials Safety Officer. He also recently completed the Chief Fire Officer Management Program from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.

He is also part of the Massachusetts Hazardous Materials Response Team and previously served as an instructor at the Fire and Rescue Training Academy in Barnstable. He is an active member of the Bristol County Fire Chiefs Association and the Fire Chief’s Association of Massachusetts.

“Chief Medeiros has received specialized training across a number of fire safety areas in the course of his career and will continue to prioritize and promote ongoing education and skillbuilding among members of the NBFD,” according to the City.