(File photo by JEFFREY HASTINGS) Nashua Fire Rescue Chief Brian Rhodes, right, and Assistant Chief Steve Buxton, left, speak with Deputy Chief Bill Atkinson at a fire scene on Harbor Avenue last year. Rhodes, who has announced his retirement, will be succeeded by Buxton.

NASHUA — Confident he is leaving the department in very capable hands, Nashua Fire Rescue Chief Brian Rhodes has announced his retirement, capping a career of 35 years in the fire service, including nearly four years as chief of the 176-member department.

“I have had the distinct honor and privilege of working with incredible people, both past and present,” Rhodes said. “It is these dedicated people who perform extraordinary acts for our community every day.”

Current Assistant Fire Chief Steve Buxton will succeed Rhodes, having been promoted to the post by a unanimous vote of the Board of Fire Commissioners at its most recent meeting last week.

Buxton, a 30-year member of the fire service, the last 25 in Nashua, will be sworn in March 1, according to fire commission chairman Kevin Burgess.

“I am excited to see Chief Buxton carry on these efforts in his well-deserved promotion,” Burgess said, referring to “the constantly evolving fire service” and “the strong hand” Rhodes has had in “positioning the department for future success through his leadership, professional relationships and strategic planning efforts,” he said.

Commission vice chairman Paul Garant in brief comments expressed his thanks to Rhodes “for his dedication to the department and the citizens of Nashua.”

Garant also congratulated Buxton “on his well-deserved promotion,” adding that “having served on the (commission) for 18 years, I have watched Steve prepare for his new role.

“He has been a leader on the line, and as an administrator. I have full confidence in his ability to execute his new responsibilities.”

As tradition holds, Burgess said, an open house event “recognizing Rhodes for his 35 years of service” will take place the afternoon of Friday, Feb. 18, at NFR Station 4, 70 East Hollis St., which is also department headquarters.

According to Burgess, Rhodes began his career with Nashua Fire Rescue in 1987. He was promoted to

lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2004, deputy chief in 2011, assistant chief in June 2015, and NFR’s 14th chief in April 2018.

Buxton, meanwhile, has been a firefighter since 1992. He joined NFR in December 1996, was promoted to lieutenant in 2004, to captain in 2013,

deputy chief in April 2018 and to assistant chief in September 2020.

He is an original member of the NFR Dive Team and the SMART Hazardous Materials Response Team. He served as Dive Team captain from 2012 until his promotion to deputy chief in 2018.

In addition to numerous state and national certifications, Buxton holds a bachelor of science degree from Anna Maria College in Paxton, Massachusetts.

“As the next chief, I look forward to collaborating with IAFF Local 789 to lead the organization in a way that benefits both our members and our community,” he said, referring to the union that represents Nashua firefighters.

Buxton also said he “would like to thank Chief Rhodes for his work and efforts in establishing a plan to guide the organization into the future.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.

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