After five years with Belmont, Fire Chief David DeStefano is leaving the department.
His last day will be Sept. 6, according to Select Board Chair Matt Taylor. DeStefano informed the board during an executive session Monday night.
During the public session that followed, Select Board members thanked DeStefano for his service to the community.
Taylor said next steps, including the appointment of an interim chief, will be discussed at a future date.
In August 2025, the Select Board reviewed DeStefano’s performance, at which point he received rave reviews from board members, who cited his adaptability, professionalism, and aptitude among other qualities.
They awarded him a 2% merit increase and extended his contract by a year, to run through 2028.
DeStefano could not be reached immediately for comment.
According to the department webpage, DeStefano took over the top position in 2021 from former Fire Chief David L. Frizzell.