Chester Fire Promotes Sheley to Captain, Hughes to Lieutenant

On September 10, 2026, the Chester Fire Department hosted a promotion ceremony at its station to honor Loran Sheley as captain and Ethan Hughes as lieutenant. Family, friends, and fellow Chester Fire Department members attended the ceremony to honor the two firefighters and their new roles. 

Both promotions signify further progress within the department. Town records indicate that Sheley has served with Chester Fire and previously held the rank of lieutenant. Hughes became part of the department following his prior participation with the Chester Fire Explorers and holds certifications as both a firefighter and EMT. According to the Town of Chester's annual report, he also works full time for the Derry Fire Department.

Sheley’s background with the department includes starting his fire-service career as a member of the Chester Fire Explorers. He later earned Firefighter II certification and a commercial driver’s license, qualifying him to operate Chester’s apparatus. In March 2026, Chester town officials also named Sheley as the town’s Forest Fire Warden. At the same meeting, Hughes was named a deputy forest fire warden.