The Avon Fire Department is pleased to welcome David Charest as fire chief.
Chief Charest was sworn in at the Avon Select Board meeting on Thursday, March 21 and began in the position on Monday, March 25.
Chief Charest has over 25 years of experience in the fire service and began his career as a call firefighter in Dartmouth and Westport. He later became a full-time firefighter in Portsmouth, Rhode Island before joining Attleboro Fire. He served 19 years with Attleboro Fire rising to the rank of district chief. He oversaw the Fire Prevention Division and served as the training officer and a shift commander.
Chief Charest holds a master’s degree in public administration from Anna Maria College and a bachelor’s degree in fire science from Providence College. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy Executive Fire Officer Program and holds numerous fire certifications. He has also served as an adjunct instructor for Anna Maria College.
“I would like to thank the Town administration and Select Board for this opportunity,” Chief Charest said. “I would also like to thank my family for the love and support during this process and throughout my career. I look forward to serving the residents and visitors of the Town of Avon.”
Chief Charest succeeds Chief Robert Spurr who retired in October 2023, and takes over for Interim Fire Chief Kevin Partridge who had led the department since October.
“I am pleased to welcome Chief Charest to this role and look forward to seeing him succeed,” Partridge said. “He is taking over a department comprised of dedicated and eager firefighters and staff members. I have enjoyed working with them and extend my best wishes to them all for safe and exceptional careers.”
He added, “I would also like to thank Town Administrator Jonathan Beder and the Select Board, as well as the Town’s department heads and employees for their continued support of and collaboration with the fire department.”
###