FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:  David Young, Administrative Coordinator,
Town of Warwick 978-544-6315

Warwick Selectboard named resident Ron Gates of Wendell Road as Fire
Chief following their recent search process.  Gates is a nine-year
member of the Warwick Volunteer Fire Department and rose within the
department to lieutenant before being named chief. According to
Selectboard chair, Dawn Magi, the appointment will become permanent upon
successful completion of a six month probationary period and evaluation
per the Town's personnel policy.

Gates is an emergency medical technician (EMT) and in the past worked
full time for Medstar Ambulance in Leominster for four years. He now
works for them only as needed. He is a CPR instructor and has been
Warwick Fire Department's training officer for the past six years.  That
familiarity with Warwick's volunteer firefighting force contributed to
his selection because being aware of the strengths and capabilities of
the department's members will allow him as chief to make decisions that
will keep the force safe while on duty.

Gates has been enrolled in and completed Mass Academy Firefighter and
Fire Officer courses and has pledged to continue his education.  Gates
becomes the fire department's representative to the recently named
Public Safety Building Committee and to the newly formed Flood
Mitigation Planning Committee. He has identified a new station and new
engine as departmental goals.

The department's 1957 Dodge fire truck is believed to be the oldest
front-line fire engine in the state. It was purchased new in 1957 by the
Fireman's Association who are currently raising money to build a new
public safety building on the site of the former community school. 
Gates replaces Gunnar Lambert who served as Warwick Fire Chief for four
years until his retirement on the day of Gates appointment.