Bill > H2186

This bill establishes new certification requirements for individuals appointed as fire chief or chief engineer in cities, towns, fire districts, or authorities, meaning any governmental entity responsible for fire services. Specifically, it mandates that no one can hold these positions unless they are certified by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission, which will develop standards for this certification, considering factors like experience, training, criminal history, character, and fitness. The State Fire Marshal will not grant official authority to a fire chief or chief engineer without this certification, though temporary authority can be issued for up to 180 days if a position is vacant. The bill also requires the Fire Service Commission to create equivalency standards for those already serving in these roles before the law takes effect and to have these certification standards in place within twenty-four months of the bill becoming law.