Framingham's First Female Fire Lieutenant: 'There are Definitely Little Joys'

Photo: Lieutenant Susan Crippen courtesy of Wayne Dion

FRAMINGHAM, MA -Susan Crippen has been driving fire trucks since they were stick shift and now she will serve as Framingham's first female fire lieutenant.

Crippen joined the Framingham Fire Department in 2007 after starting her career as a firefighter in 1998. She said the best part about working in the Framingham Fire Department is the close connection she has with the community.

"I think the Framingham Fire Department is a great place to work because we pretty much do everything. People can even call us with questions," Crippen told Patch. "It's the day-to-day things that are my favorite because we're always helping people. There are definitely little joys."

Framingham residents are always really appreciative of the Fire Department, according to Crippen.

"You don't do the job to be appreciated but it helps," she said.

Crippen graduated from Framingham State College in 1991 and earned her master's degree in public administration from Anna Maria College in Paxton. She said she was attracted to becoming a firefighter because of the opportunity to help people and the sense of teamwork.

After serving as temporary lieutenant in February Crippen was sworn in as a permanent lieutenant in March. She hopes to continue moving up the ranks within the Framingham Fire Department.

The new lieutenant's new duties include overseeing an engine and making sure everything is in working order and everybody is safe.

Crippen's promotion and those of her colleagues will be recognized at an official ceremony on Friday.

Other promotions within the department include: Captain Marc Leporati to deputy chief; Lieutenant James Ahearn and Lieutenant Kurt O’Rourke to captain; Firefighter Brian Knight, Firefighter Jose Rubio and Firefighter Greg Benitich to lieutenant; and Firefighter Luke Moro to temporary lieutenant.

“I am confident in the depth of experience, value and commitment that each individual has to the Framingham Fire Department and the entire Framingham community. We are extremely fortunate to have such a dedicated group of people working to keep our community safe,” Chief Joseph Hicks said in a department announcement.