Rindge Fire Department honors retiring Chief Rick Donovan and Deputy Deb Douglas

As 2025 came to a close last Wednesday, it marked the end of an era for the Rindge Fire Department, as two of its top command gave their final farewells through dispatch, announcing their sign-off as they retire.

Ambulance Deputy Chief Deb Douglas and Rick Donovan, who holds the titles of Rindge director of life and public safety, fire chief, and director of emergency management, each took their turn at the radio mic, announcing their final send-off.

Prior to the radio announcement, the town held a luncheon in the town offices to thank Donovan and Douglas for their service.

“To Rick and Deb, I’m sure I’ll see you both later,” said Selectman Chair Bob Hamilton. “I’ve become friends with both of these people. I appreciate your friendship. I appreciate your hard work, and I appreciate all the time you’ve dedicated to this town.”

Donovan said he was first approached about taking up the mantle of chief in 2002.

His first reaction?

“No way,” Donovan recalled, in a short farewell he delivered before his final sign-off.

He said he was approached about the position in February and had to be asked three more times before he finally agreed to take the job in June.

“I accepted the job, and it’s been a great tour,” Donovan said. “It’s been great, and I really enjoyed my time here.”

Deputy Emergency Management Director Ron Osimo praised Donovan’s dedication to the job and his long leadership.

“Chief Donovan’s ability to lead with compassion, communicate with clarity, and manage complex situations with grace has inspired everyone around him,” said Osimo. “The countless hours he devoted — often going above and beyond the call of duty — have made a profound difference and left an enduring legacy.”

Douglas has been involved with the rescue service for about 30 years, and full-time for the last 20. She said she first wanted to become involved after her husband was involved in a serious car accident.

“It seemed like it was a way to give back,” Douglas said.

As for what has kept her here in the decades since, Douglas said it’s purely “the love of the job.”

“It’s been a rewarding experience, just helping people,” she said.

Donovan spoke about the toll the job sometimes takes.

“First responders — anyone involved in first response, fire, police, highway — it’s challenging. A lot of nights, weekends, holidays you miss with your families,” Donovan said. “There’s things we see that no person is trained to see, nor should see, but it’s an unfortunate part of the job. But it’s also rewarding to help people in their worst of times. I love the fire service and it’s been a great ride for me.”

Earlier this month, Rindge hired Donovan’s replacement, Robert “Bob” Faas. While most recently a captain with Montgomery County Fire and Rescue in Maryland, Faas is familiar to the Rindge fire service, having started his career in firefighting there.

Donovan said that when he started in the fire service, Faas was his lieutenant and a long-time friend, and said he was sure Faas would do a fine job for the town.

“I was very thankful I could bring Rindge Fire to the next level, but it’s time for someone else to bring it to the next level after that,” Donovan said.

Ashley Saari can be reached at 603-924-7172 ext. 244 or asaari@ledgertranscript.com. She’s on X @AshleySaariMLT.