Crime & Safety

Lifelong Woburn Resident Settling in as New Fire Chief

Timothy Ring was recently sworn in as the city's fire chief after nearly 35 years in the department.

For decades, Timothy Ring has been making a mark on the Woburn Fire Department and working his way up the ranks. Thanks to his latest promotion, Ring has officially reached the top.

Ring, a lifelong Woburn resident, was named Fire Chief last week, replacing Interim Chief Robert DiPoli.

“It’s very rewarding, especially being a longtime Woburn resident,” said Ring. “I grew up here and graduated from Woburn High School. I’ve been a Woburn guy all my life, and it was easy to go to the Fire Department. It’s a great job, and a great bunch of guys.”

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Ring is five weeks shy of hitting 35 years of service within the Woburn Fire Department, and has held various ranks.

Most recently, the Woburn resident held the title of captain, where he was more specifically a personnel officer for the last eight months.

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The newly sworn in chief said that job has made the transition to his current position easier since it helped him become familiar with the issues at hand within the department.

Ring called the Woburn Fire Department a “very dynamic agency” and said there are several items he foresees as being on the forefront in the upcoming months.

First and foremost, Ring said firefighters are always trying to improve the service they are giving to the community. He also said the department hopes to gain the funding for new pieces of equipment. 

After a recent study recommended that Woburn needs a new building in Central Square, Ring also said he hopes the city is able to work towards making that a reality.

But for the day-to-day operations of the Fire Department, Ring said it’s critical for himself and his colleagues to remember why they suit up each day.

“The job can be very difficult at times,” said Ring. “A lot of the times you’re dealing with people in who have been in a fire, had a medical emergency, or a car accident. They’re dealing with loss or pain, and your job is to ease that pain as much as possible. That’s what you’re trying to do is help people.”


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