New Bedford Fire Department District Fire Chief Barros to retire after 35 years of service

“The New Bedford Fire Department is happy to extend congratulations to District Fire Chief Joseph Barros who retired effective Saturday September 24.

District Chief Barros had over 35 years of service with the NBFD, many of those years were spent as the District Chief in charge of Support Services. DC Barros was responsible for maintaining the department’s IT infrastructure and played a vital role in the transition to the municipal radio master fire alarm box system. His knowledge and abilities assisted us in switching over from the 1800s era Gamewell master fire alarm box system.

DC Barros was one of the few employees to have been employed by all three city public safety agencies. He began his career with EMS in 1980, became a police officer, and began his firefighting career in June 1987. He was also one of the last remaining city employees to have been effected by PROP 2 1/2 in 1981.

In addition to his responsibilities maintaining the communication network, DC Barros also functioned as the NBFD’s grant writer and was able to secure over $40 million in grant funding. These grants included multiple SAFER grants, state and federal equipment grants, and Homeland Security grants.

The members of the NBFD wish you a happy and well deserved retirement!” -New Bedford Fire Department.

New Bedford Fire Department photo.