WESTFIELD-As Westfield Fire Chief Mary Regan soon closes the door on her career that has spanned 31 years with the Westfield Fire Department, many in the community are extending a heartfelt thank you as well as warm wishes for a fruitful retirement.
Mayor Brian Sullivan said Regan has been a “pioneer” representing Westfield for many years.
Westfield Fire Commissioner Albert Masciadrelli (WNG file photo)
“It has been an honor to work with her and I respect her work ethic and the manner in which she always put the WFD first,” said Sullivan. “She may be retiring from her job as chief, but the friendship will last forever.”
Longtime fire commissioner Albert Masciadrelli echoed those sentiments.
“When Fire Chief Mary Regan moves into her next chapter of her extraordinary life, she will leave a big pair of boots, figuratively speaking, to be filled,” said Masciadrelli who currently serves as chairman of the Westfield Fire Commission. “Chief Regan is a key figure in keeping the Westfield Fire Department as a world class emergency services department and left nothing to chance; she is a fighter for what she believes and that is why this department is respected throughout the Commonwealth and elsewhere. The city is truly losing a highly motivated individual and me and the Westfield Fire Commission wish her all the best of luck on her upcoming retirement.”
Masciadrelli added, “Chief enjoy!”
Carlo Bonavita, a fellow fire commissioner, concurred.
“Chief Regan has done an excellent job as our fire chief,” said Bonavita. “If I were ever to be in charge of selecting one person to head up a panel of emergency officials to handle a crisis situation she would be that person. Her professionalism, knowledge and energy are second to none. It has been a pleasure serving with a person of her caliber and integrity.”
Patrick Olearcek, who serves on the Westfield Fire Commission with Masciadrelli and Bonavita, also noted that Regan has been a “pioneer” and a “wonderful innovator as a chief.”
“As only the second female chief in this state she has shown that there are no boundaries for anyone, sex, creed, color, etc., it does not matter,” said Olearcek. “She worked so diligently and hard to become chief and she made changes that were creative that will benefit the department for the many years to come.”
Over the years Regan has also worked alongside local and state politicians – always going to bat for what she knew her department needed.
“It has been an absolute pleasure and honor to work with Chief Regan over the past few years,” said state Rep. John Velis, 4th Hampden District. “She has been exceptionally responsive to the needs of the community and proactive in her efforts to keep Westfield safe during emergencies, major and minor. I will be sorry to see her go, and I know her presence will be missed around the firehouse. I truly hope she enjoys her retirement – it couldn’t be more well deserved.”
State Sen. Donald F. Humason, Jr., 2nd Hampden and Hampshire District, shared similar sentiments.
“Chief Regan is a consummate firefighter who hails from a family of proud firefighters,” said Humason. “She led the Westfield Fire Department with distinction, mindful of her historic role as first female fire chief of the department, but never letting that overshadow her commitment to the men and women of the WFD and the people of Westfield.”
Humason added that “Mary is my friend and I have enjoyed working with her as a legislator. I will miss her.”
“Mary Regan has been supportive to the club in a variety of ways over the years,” said William Parks, chief executive officer, Boys and Girls Club of Greater Westfield, of which Regan is a board member. “Her involvement on our board has been invaluable, from her knowledge and background about buildings and facility issues, to her willingness to let firefighters meet with the kids for safety programs.”
While many firefighters have since retired since Regan first started at the fire department, WFD Deputy Chief Seth Ellis is still among the ranks who served alongside her during her role as captain.
“She was always very positive during orientation and my initial training,” said Ellis. “She has always stressed the importance of developing ourselves and growing in the department, and encouraging us to rise to our abilities.”
Jennifer Daley, a paramedic/firefighter private who has served for 17 years with the WFD, shared similar sentiments.
“Chief was always very fair to me and I will always be grateful to her for how she was to me during my pregnancies,” said Daley. “I am so happy for her in her retirement and I wish her all the best,” adding, “but I hope she knows that already!”
