Deputy Bedford fire chief tapped to lead Rochester Fire

Bedford Deputy Fire Chief Mark E. Klose (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - The city of Rochester announced today that it has named Bedford Deputy Fire Chief Mark E. Klose as its new fire chief.

Klose, who has spent the entirety of his 28-year career with the Bedford Fire Department, will officially join the Rochester Fire Department on Aug. 28.

He began his career in Bedford as a call firefighter and worked his way up through the ranks of the department, rising to a full-time firefighter, captain and most recently the deputy chief for operations and training and the deputy emergency management director.

"I am extremely excited about the future the Rochester Fire Department will have under Chief Klose's leadership," City Manager Daniel Fitzpatrick said. "His experience in all aspects of firefighting and departmental leadership will be a tremendous benefit to the department and the city."

As deputy chief in Bedford, a role he's held since 2008, Klose was responsible for the department's day-to-day operations, department personnel and training on a variety of essential areas, including fire suppression, hazardous materials management and emergency medical aid.

He has also been responsible for overseeing Bedford Fire's $3.7 million operating budget.

"This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and I am incredibly enthusiastic about coming to Rochester and joining its first-rate fire department," Klose said. "I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity and am ready to get to work."

During his time with the Bedford Fire Department, Klose earned numerous distinctions, including being recognized with the 2013 New Hampshire Fire Service Award of Excellence, the 2015 New Hampshire Leather Helmet Society's Outstanding Service Award, as well as an Army Achievement Medal and Army Commendation Medal, among others.