Today, April 15, the mayor’s office announced that Springfield Fire Department Chief Edward Canny will retire effective May 15 2025.
Chief Canny will retire after almost 28 years of dedicated service to the Springfield Fire Department, serving in various capacities before being appointed Fire Chief in 2023. Under his leadership, the department has significantly improved emergency response capabilities, firefighter training, and public safety initiatives. He also played a key role in the organization and grand opening of several new fire stations, helping ensure the department is well-positioned to meet the needs of a growing city.
“My time with the department is something I will always treasure,” wrote Canny. “Being able to serve the citizens of Springfield has always been my passion. I am stepping away now to focus more on my family. There are some private family health matters that need more of my attention at this point in my life.
“I am fortunate that I can choose to retire at this time and ensure neither my family nor my responsibilities as Chief would be affected… I am confident that the department will be left in the hands of good leadership and will continue to move the Springfield Fire Department in the right direction.”
Mayor Misty Buscher offered some words of congratulations to the outgoing Fire Chief, saying, “Chief Canny has dedicated nearly three decades of his life to the people of Springfield.”
The Mayor added, “He has led with courage, compassion, and duty. From his first day as a cadet to his final days as Chief, his love for this city and his firefighters has never changed. We fully support his transition to retirement to tend to personal priorities that require his focus at this time. While he will be deeply missed, we know he is leaving the department in good hands and on a path of continued progress. It has truly been an honor to serve alongside Chief Canny.”
Fire Chief Ed Canny is the second city emergency services director to have announced retirement plans in the past week after Police Chief Ken Scarlette declared last Wednesday he would retire in the summer.
Appointed by Buscher in 2023 to replace Brandon Blough at the fire department, the 47-year-old Canny previously served as Fire Marshal and head of the SFD’s Fire Safety Division. Internally, he was regarded as a good choice for the role of department lead, and has served in thta capacity with minimal controversy.
In the two years since his appointment he has overseen improvements to the health of city firefighters, implementing a cancer screening regime to promote early prevention. Modernization and expansion initiatives started under Canny’s predecessor have been completed under his guidance, with three new firehouses opening across the city, enhancing public safety and improving conditions for fire crews.
At the time of his departure, the Springfield Fire Department will have been a better emergency force for Canny’s leadership, and Springfield itself all the safer.
