Rodney Marshall has been appointed the 45th Commissioner and Chief of Department of the Boston Fire Department (BFD) and will begin serving in the role when he is sworn in later this month.
The City of Boston announced the appointment, with Mayor Michelle Wu naming Marshall to succeed current Boston Fire Department Commissioner Paul Burke.
Marshall joined the Boston Fire Department in 1991 and currently serves as Chief of Operations – Support Services.
He was first assigned to Engine 56.
Marshall became a Fire Lieutenant in 1998 and received the Commissioner’s Unit Citation that year for saving the lives of multiple residents during a six-alarm fire.
He was promoted to Fire Captain in 2005.
In 2013, he received a second Commissioner’s Unit Citation for his role in rescuing several individuals trapped in a bus with severe roof damage.
His promotion to District Fire Chief came in 2014.
Since his promotion to Deputy Fire Chief in 2022, he has served as Chief of Operations – Support Services.
One of Marshall’s stated accomplishments was designing and overseeing the launch of the Department’s Cadet Program, which created pathways for young inner city residents to pursue a career as a firefighter.
Marshall was born and raised in Grove Hall in Dorchester.
He is a graduate of Boston College, where he earned a bachelor’s degree.
Mayor Michelle Wu said: “As a distinguished and deeply respected 35-year veteran of the Boston Fire Department, Deputy Chief Rodney Marshall is exceptionally qualified to lead the brave men and women of Boston Fire who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.”
Marshall said: “I want to thank Mayor Wu for the privilege of leading the Department that has shaped my life and career.”
Paul Burke, current Boston Fire Department Commissioner, said: “He is a good choice by the Mayor—and he will be a great commissioner.”
Marshall will take up the position after he is sworn in later this month.
