Select Board names Jamie Meier as Canton’s next fire chief
By Mike BergerCurrent Canton Fire Captain Jamie Meier was the unanimous choice of the Select Board to be the town’s next fire chief following interviews with the two finalists on Tuesday evening, May 19.
Jamie Meier
Meier will now negotiate with Human Resources Director Jody Middleton and Interim Town Administrator Jen Kemalian on a new contract.
All of the Select Board members agreed that it was a very tough decision between Meier and the other finalist for the position, Jeffrey Ricker, deputy chief of training and operations for the Sharon Fire Department. Board members complimented both candidates on their interviews and presentations, and both had similar professional backgrounds and experiences.
Newly elected Select Board Chair Susan Harrington said Meier differentiated himself with his energy, passion, knowledge of the Canton Fire Department and town department heads, and his commitment to mentoring and developing other firefighters and paramedics.
Meier described himself as a “dedicated fire officer” with over 24 years of experience in firefighting and emergency medical services. He has served in numerous capacities going back to 2017, including fire captain, lieutenant, fire instructor, EMS coordinator, and firefighter-paramedic. He has a Bachelor of Science degree in fire science in addition to various professional certifications, credentials and management and leadership training from the National Fire Academy.
Meier co-founded the Norfolk County EMS Coordinators Association and is a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators and International Association of Firefighters, as well as a past member of the Canton Alliance Against Substance Abuse. He was honored as Paramedic of the Year by Norwood Hospital in 2016 and was a 2009 recipient of the Richard Stein Public Safety Award by the Canton Knights of Columbus.
Ricker also had an impressive resume with 25 years of experience in fire and emergency services, and he too emphasized the importance of instructing and mentoring his fellow firefighters. Prior to serving as Sharon’s deputy fire chief, he served the department as a captain, shift commander, firefighter/paramedic, and EMS quality assurance and improvement specialist.
Both candidates also said they would use data and analytics to share budget information with town finance officials and work with the Board of Health, Senior Center, and other groups to help address community problems and mental health issues.
In other news …
See this week’s Citizen to continue reading and for more highlights from the May 19 Select Board meeting. Click here to order your subscription today.
Short URL: https://www.thecantoncitizen.com/?p=134071
Posted by Mike Berger
on May 22 2026. Filed under Top Stories.
Both comments and pings are currently closed.
