Middlesex CC Alum Named New Watertown Fire Chief

Ryan Nicholson still remembers helping wash the trucks at the Watertown Fire Department where his uncle worked as a firefighter when he was younger. His own career as a firefighter was helped in part by starting his education at Middlesex Community College where he earned an associate degree in Fire Science. Recently, he was named the new Watertown Fire Chief.

“As Chief, I plan to continue the strong work of my predecessors, especially in the area of firefighter health and wellness,” Nicholson said. “Additionally, I will focus on better utilizing technology to improve on the department’s effectiveness and efficiency when responding to various types of emergencies within the city. The ultimate goal is to provide a top-notch fire service for the citizens and visitors of Watertown, while fostering a work environment that empowers, develops and ensures opportunities to succeed to all employees.”

Having already earned a bachelor’s degree, Nicholson chose to go to Middlesex because it offered a convenient, flexible and cost-effective option to start his new career. During the application process, advisors helped him transfer his previous college credits to Middlesex, providing an “easy and painless” experience.

“As part of my career path and aspirations, I recognized that furthering my education within the field was necessary to accomplish my goals. My experience at MCC was excellent. I knew right from the start that I had made the right decision.” - Ryan Nicholson, MCC Alum

While working full-time, Nicholson was able to take advantage of online classes and learn from professors who had knowledge of working in the field. Although he had not previously taken online classes, his professors helped him navigate the experience and be successful. He also appreciated that courses in the program applied to topics that were relevant to working in the industry.

“As part of my career path and aspirations, I recognized that furthering my education within the field was necessary to accomplish my goals,” Nicholson said. “My experience at MCC was excellent. I knew right from the start that I had made the right decision.”

In 2006, Nicholson started working as a firefighter in Watertown. While continuing to gain work experience, he was promoted several times and went on to earn his master’s degree in Public Administration.

Nicholson believes starting his education early on in his career made a positive difference in his career path. Not only did he learn valuable information toward his field, he also developed strong study habits that helped him prepare for his promotions.

“Much of what I learned through my time at MCC kept reappearing through the promotion processes, which I feel helped give me an academic advantage,” Nicholson said. “I also think of how I am still able to apply many concepts and materials that were covered when responding to in real world scenarios and emergencies over the last 17 years.”