35-year FRFD veteran John Lynch serves last day as Fall River’s Fire Chief

The City of Fall River will have a new fire chief.

Fall River resident and 35-year veteran of the department John Lynch retired from his position, working his last day as chief on Thursday.

Lynch replaced Chief Robert Viveiros and became the city’s provisional fire chief before getting the job permanently in November of 2016 after a unanimous vote by the City Council.

Lynch led through major mill fires, plunging through the floor after a fatal fire on Palmer Street in 2019, his vehicle being vandalized, having to level punishments on occasion, and the tragic fatal Four Winds blaze.

While 35 years is a long time to be anywhere at anything, for Lynch, it flew by.

“36 years in the blink of an eye. Thanks to all I worked with for helping me get here. To the citizens of Fall River, it has been my honor and privilege to have served you on the best department on the planet. God Bless all. That was a great adventure.”

Deputy Chief Roger St. Martin, who has served the department for over 30 years, takes over as interim chief until a new chief is announced. St. Martin may end up being that new chief.