The City of New Bedford will soon have a new Fire Chief.
Effective Sunday, December 16, Deputy Fire Chief Paul N. Coderre, Jr. will become Acting Fire Chief for the City of New Bedford. Fire Chief Michael Gomes has been absent on medical leave and is not expected to return to duty.
Chief Gomes recently informed the City of his intent to retire. His application for retirement has been submitted to the New Bedford Contributory Retirement System and will be considered by the Board in early 2019. Chief Gomes has served as Chief since 2011 and has served in the Fire Department since 1990. Deputy Chief Coderre has capably overseen the operations of the Fire Department during Chief Gomes’ absence and is a veteran of the New Bedford Fire Department, with 25 years of service. He has served as Deputy Fire Chief since 2011.