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Former Calif. battalion chief, paramedic selected as new director of Mass. fire academy

Jonpaul Seivane brings 17 years of leadership from Sacramento Metro Fire, with a strong focus on firefighter training, wellness and professional development

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State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine (left), Jonpaul “JP” Seivane (center) and Deputy State Fire Marshal Maribel Fournier (right).

Massachusetts Department of Fire Services/Facebook

By The Salem News

STOW, Mass. — State Fire Marshal Jon M. Davine on Tuesday announced that Jonpaul “JP” Seivane, a former battalion chief with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, has been appointed as director of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. He began his new role yesterday.

“Mr. Seivane’s leadership experience at a major, multi-jurisdictional fire department will serve him well leading one of New England’s largest and most respected fire academies,” said Davine. “He brings a deep commitment to firefighter training, occupational health, and professional development at a pivotal time for the fire service.”

Seivane comes to the MFA following 17 years with the Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District, where he rose to the rank of battalion chief in a department serving more than 720,000 residents. In that position, he oversaw dozens of fire and EMS personnel on the fireground, in training, and on health, wellness, and professional development matters. His career at the SMFD included years of high-level organizational experience in strategic planning, training development, policy formation, interagency and interdisciplinary partnership, and media relations.

“The instructors and support staff of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy provide an invaluable service to the state’s firefighters, and the benefits extend to every resident of the commonwealth,” said Seivane. “I look forward to working with these dedicated men and women to continue the high standards they’ve put in place. Moreover, I pledge to work with our partners in the Massachusetts fire service to meet their needs in the months and years to come.”

Seivane also taught part-time at Sierra College in California, where he developed, delivered, and refined paramedic, pre-paramedic and EMT courses for nearly a decade. He is a graduate of the University of California Davis, earned a master of business administration degree from the University of Phoenix and obtained an associate’s degree in fire science and a certificate in fire technology from Allen Hancock College. He has a current paramedic license in Utah and California.


With available tuition discounts, higher education can enhance a firefighter’s career growth, salary and leadership potential

Most recently, Seivane was the founder, executive director, and president of Saratoga Springs FC, one of the fastest-growing nonprofit youth organizations in the country. This role required collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies and stakeholders; oversight of budgetary and fiduciary responsibilities; and motivating dozens of employees, coaches, and volunteers in a mission of service.

First established by the Legislature in 1971 under what was then the Division of Occupational Education, the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy provides recruit and in-service training at campuses in Stow, Springfield and Bridgewater.

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