‘It’s truly been an honor’: New Bedford Fire Chief Scott Kruger to retire after 34 years in department

NEW BEDFORD, Mass. (WLNE) — The New Bedford Fire Department announced Wednesday that Chief Scott Kruger will retire from the department effective July 5 after 34 years of service.

Kruger started as an EMT in 1991 and was appointed to the New Bedford Fire Department as a firefighter two years later.

He received two commendations in his eight years as a firefighter, for saving an elderly woman in a Ward Street fire in 1995 and for helping a resident trapped in a burning building on Purchase Street in 1999.

Kruger rose through the ranks of the department, being promoted to Lieutenant in 2001, Captain in 2007, Acting Chief in 2020 and Chief in 2022.

Among his accomplishments during his tenure in the NBFD, Kruger trained every member of the department in first responder medical situations and spearheaded the installation of sprinkler and alarm systems in over 100 bars and nightclubs.

This was in the wake of the Station Nightclub fire in West Warwick in 2003.

He also worked closely with local law enforcement to arrest and prosecute suspects in arson fires throughout the city.

Kruger also championed the use of data which led to an almost 25 percent decrease in structure fires since 2023 and guided the department through the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It’s truly been an honor,” said Chief Kruger.

“When the conditions were at their worst, the brave firefighters at the NBFD were at their best. I couldn’t be more proud of the entire team here.”

“Chief Kruger retires with a clear record of success,” said New Bedford Mayor Jon Mayor Mitchell.

“His steady leadership during the pandemic helped keep both residents and first responders safe.”