Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
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COMMISSIONER AND CHIEF, BOSTON FIRE DEPARTMENT JOSEPH FINN One of Joe Finn's first acts as the new fire commissioner of Boston was to call for an industrial- strength washer and dryer in every firehouse. That may not seem like the kind of bold leadership the BFD needs—until you realize that cancer rates have skyrocketed in the profession and they're tied to the hazardous chemicals used at fire scenes. "I've buried too many guys over the years," says Finn. "Cancer is really starting to take a toll on us." That initiative is part of a broader focus on health and safety that Finn is implementing to modern- ize the department and change firehouse culture. He established the position of deputy chief for health, safety, and wellness; he is hiring physicians and physical therapists to help firefighters work out core muscles and recover from injuries endemic to a high-stress profession; and he is encouraging a culture of physical fitness among younger recruits. "For every dollar we spend on health and safety, there is a sixfold return to taxpayers," says Finn, who has run 13 marathons. The new approach is just part of the fresh air that Finn is breathing into a department criticized in the past for being lazy and hidebound by tradition. He has also appointed a new diversity officer in an effort to dramatically increase the number of minority firefighters by the next fire exam in 2016. Leadership is… "Patience. On the fire ground, when it's life and death, there's no time to get buy-in. But when you are changing a culture, you need people to embrace the change, and that takes time." Suede shirt jacket ($1,998) and micro dot shirt ($328), John Varvatos. Copley Place, 617-236-8650; johnvarvatos.com. Kane jeans, J Brand ($154). Bloomingdale's, The Mall at Chestnut Hill, Newton, 617-630-6000; bloomingdales.com. Belt, Allen Edmonds ($98). 25 State St., 617-557-3131; allenedmonds.com 110 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM