Fire and EMS communities across western Massachusetts are mourning the unexpected death of former Russell Fire Chief and longtime firefighter-paramedic Niles Gene LaValley, who died on July 18, 2026, in Greenfield-area western Massachusetts. He was 39.

LaValley dedicated much of his life to emergency service. He served as Fire Chief of the Russell Fire Department and spent approximately 16 years as a firefighter-paramedic with the Westfield Fire Department. He also served as president of Westfield Firefighters Local 1111 and worked as a paramedic for AMR Ambulance in Holyoke, RAM Ambulance in West Springfield and ACTION Ambulance in Pittsfield.

Following his death, tributes were shared by members of the fire and EMS community, including the Russell and Westfield fire departments. Westfield Fire Chief Eric Bishop remembered LaValley for his dedication to patients and fellow firefighters, as well as his willingness to mentor others.

LaValley, a resident of Hawley, died unexpectedly at Baystate Franklin Medical Center on July 18. His family’s obituary states that the cause had not been determined at the time it was published.

A Celebration of Life was held on August 8, 2026, at the Pavilion Annex at Stanley Park in Westfield. LaValley is survived by his wife, Jennifer, his son, Theo, and other family members.

His years of service touched several communities throughout western Massachusetts, and tributes following his death remembered him for his work as a firefighter, paramedic, chief, union leader and mentor.