Chicopee Promotes First Woman to Deputy Fire Chief

Katie Collins-Kalbaugh takes on the role of deputy fire chief following a city pinning ceremony.

Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in People

Chicopee Promotes First Woman to Deputy Fire Chief

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The Chicopee Fire Department has officially promoted Katie Collins-Kalbaugh to the rank of deputy fire chief. She makes history as the first woman to ever hold this leadership position within the department.

Why it matters

This promotion marks a significant milestone in the leadership history of the Chicopee Fire Department. It reflects broader efforts to integrate more women into senior ranks within local municipal emergency services.

A total of 6 firefighters were recognized during the pinning ceremony held in the city. This includes the single appointment of the new deputy fire chief alongside five promotions to captain or lieutenant.

The players

Katie Collins-Kalbaugh

She is the newly appointed deputy fire chief of Chicopee and the first woman to serve in this capacity.

Kirsten Therrien

She is a member of the fire department who was recently promoted to the rank of captain.

Chicopee Fire Department

This is the municipal agency responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical services, and public safety in Chicopee, Massachusetts.

The details

Katie Collins-Kalbaugh, who previously served as a fire captain, was joined by other personnel during a pinning ceremony at The Hub at Market Square. Kirsten Therrien was elevated to captain, while Eric Rogers, Christopher Ferrari, Justin Clark, and Norm Colon were promoted to lieutenant.

October 20, 2026: The pinning ceremony took place at The Hub at Market Square.

Market Landscape

This promotion aligns with the documented trend toward increased female leadership in municipal emergency services identified by the National Fire Protection Association. It reflects an evolving landscape within fire department command structures to better mirror the communities they serve.

The leadership change aims to improve the operational oversight and administrative capabilities of the local fire department. Residents can expect the department to maintain its standard service levels under the newly adjusted command structure.

The takeaway

The addition of a woman to the deputy chief role represents a notable shift in the organizational hierarchy of the department. This leadership transition demonstrates the department's ongoing commitment to professional development for its personnel.