WAKEFIELD — Wakefield Fire Chief Michael Sullivan announces the promotion of Wakefield Fire Lieutenant Sean Curran to Permanent Fire Captain. Captain Curran will fill the vacancy in the department’s ranks created by the recent retirement of Wakefield Fire Captain David Shinney.
Chief Sullivan also announces the promotion of Wakefield Firefighter Russell Ricker to Fire Lieutenant.
Captain Sean Curran is a 27-year member of the department, a certified Emergency Medical Technician and a graduate of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. Curran grew up in Wakefield in a family that has been well represented on the Wakefield Fire Department, including Sean’s great uncle, Captain Charles C. Curran, who served with the department for 45 years. He holds an associate’s degree in Fire Protection and Safety Technology from North Shore Community College as well as a bachelor of science in Fire Administration from Columbia Southern University.
Captain Curran is a veteran with the United States Marine Corps, serving in Operation Desert Shield/Storm with the 2nd Marine Division. Captain Curran will be assigned to Fire Administration as the department’s new fire prevention officer.
Lieutenant Russell Ricker has been a member of the Wakefield Fire Department since November 2, 2011, transferring to Wakefield after serving with the Amesbury Fire Department since 2003. Ricker also served 29 years with the Georgetown Fire Department and four years with the Merrimac Fire Department as an active on-call member of those departments.
He is a licensed Paramedic and a certified Fire Instructor. Ricker is a conscientious and knowledgeable firefighter who will serve the department well.
Captain Curran and Lieutenant Ricker were sworn in by Wakefield Town Clerk Betsy Sheeran during a brief ceremony held at the Public Safety Building on April 23, 2025.
Wakefield Fire Chief Michael Sullivan was pleased with the promotions, wishing Captain Curran and Lieutenant Ricker well in their newly appointed positions.