Derry Battalion Chief Gillis Retired After Long Fire Service Career

Derry, NH — September 1 — Battalion Chief William Gillis officially retired from the Derry Fire Department on September 1, 2026, concluding a dedicated career spanning 32.7 years of service to both the department and the community.

Gillis started his career with the Derry Fire Department on January 3, 1994, as a firefighter and paramedic.

Over the years, he advanced through the ranks, being promoted to lieutenant in 2000, captain in 2015, and battalion chief in January 2017.Throughout his career, he held various administrative and operational positions, including oversight of tools, equipment, and personal protective gear.He also served as the town’s Deputy Emergency Management Director.

In addition to his roles within the fire department, Gillis held a graduate degree in Operational Art and Military Science, an MBA in Leadership, and a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

He was a nationally registered paramedic, a certified fire officer, a hazardous materials technician, and a fire instructor.He also successfully completed the Executive Fire Officer Program offered by the National Fire Academy.

Gillis earned the Chief Fire Officer Designation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence, a credential that was acknowledged in a prior Derry town report.

The Derry Fire Department operates four stations and four battalions, offering services such as fire suppression, emergency medical services, rescue operations, and disaster response.

The department also collaborates with nearby communities through mutual aid agreements.

After more than three decades of service, Gillis began his retirement, marking the end of a career that encompassed emergency response, leadership, training, and support for the department.