Madden Sworn-in as Milton Fire Chief

Patriot Ledger 

By Fed Hanson

MILTON — After Chris Madden was sworn-in as the town’s new fire chief, his youngest daughter Emerson, 11, administered the final honor, pinning the gold badge of his new rank onto her father’s dress uniform.

About 50 people attended Monday evening’s swearing-in ceremony, held at the Council on Aging Building on Walnut Street. Among those in attendance were U.S. Rep. Stephen Lynch, D-Mass; State Sen. Walter Timilty, D-Milton; members of the select board; town officials and Milton firefighters past and present.

Madden received the endorsement of the man he replaces, former fire Chief Jack Grant, who retired July 1 after 33 years with the department, the last 11 as its chief.

“I can say without a doubt that you’re in good hands,” Grant said of Madden.

Lynch praised Grant, noting his frequent trips to Washington to advocate on behalf of fire departments.

“He has shown great leadership and is a great example of what it means to be a fire chief here in Milton,” the congressman said of Grant.

Madden is a 2000 graduate of Milton High School and joined the department in October 2001. He was promoted to the rank of lieutenant in 2009. He is also a veteran of the United States Coast Guard. He previously served as the department’s training officer.

Madden said he will get to work on the plans to rebuild the department’s three stations. Otherwise, he is not planning any major changes.

“The men and women of the Milton Fire Department make it easy,” Madden said.

Also sworn-in at the ceremony was David Staunton as a fire lieutenant, filling the position vacated by Madden’s promotion. A second-generation firefighter, Staunton has been with the department for 18 years.