Groveland Fire Chief Robert Valentine with his daughter, Lisa Paicos. (Courtesy photograph.)
Retiring Groveland Fire Chief Robert E. Valentine confirmed Monday he is leaving the department for medical reasons
The fire chief said in a statement Monday he is suffering from a progressive lung disease. Valentine said he first became aware of a problem in November of 2024 when he visited his physician for, what he believed to be, “a seasonal respiratory infection.”
“…My doctor found inconsistencies with my chest X-ray, and I was referred to a pulmonologist. At the follow-up appointment, which included scans and blood testing, I was diagnosed with Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis, a chronic, incurable progressive lung disease. After serving for nearly 50 years as a firefighter, my body was starting to show the telltale signs of my career,” Valentine said
The chief said he notified the town at the time and planned to continue working after receiving clearance from his physician. After a July 16 appointment, however, his doctor told him continued fire service would by “counterproductive” to his treatment
“This was devastating news. I am a stubborn firefighter. It is my life’s work, and I had no intention of leaving the job I love,” he said
Valentine explained, he became “progressively sicker” in June, around Father’s Day, after each of two fires—one in Georgetown and the other in West Newbury
He said, “Until recent weeks, I had every intention of remaining in the job I love through at least my 65th birthday.” Valentine said he continued to respond to virtually every call and, referring to his candidacy for Rowley fire chief, “I have put myself out there in contention to advance my career.”
He said he notified Town Administrator Rebecca Oldham the following Monday, July 20, and was placed on sick leave. He notified his firefighters the next day and went somewhat public on fire radio to make his final radio call over the airwaves. Firefighters drove him home aboard Engine 3, the newest truck in the fleet, “where more than a dozen of my fellow fire chiefs were waiting.”
Valentine’s sudden departure last week caught some officials by surprise. Oldham told WHAV only that the fire chief “would be unable to fulfill the duties of fire chief, effective immediately.” Select Board member Edward H. Watson, however, told WHAV he learned Valentine “has or will submit a claim for benefits” under a state law geared to “incapacitated” police officers or firefighters
