08/14/2025
For more than four decades, Woodstock has been protected, guided, and inspired by Fire Chief John MacKay. This month, after 42 years of dedicated service, Chief MacKay has decided to pass the torch. He leaves behind a legacy that will be felt in our community for generations to come.
Chief MacKay’s countless hours helping our community has been demonstrated above and beyond his stellar work with the WFD, including assisting the Dilly Cliff Forest Fire (sometimes staying on site overnight until the job was done), Pemi Search and Rescue missions in the White Mountains, two decades of work within Public Works in Woodstock, and traveling across the country to assist in dangerous wildfires out west. In short, Chief MacKay has always gone where he was needed most. His steady leadership, tireless work ethic, and deep care for people in our community have defined his career. A true hometown hero.
We are honored to have contributed photographs to help commemorate this milestone. We know pictures can only tell part of the story, and that Chief MacKay’s true legacy lives in the lives he’s saved, the safety he’s provided, and the unwavering example he’s set for all of us.
Thank you, Chief, for your courage, your leadership, and your decades of service. Your retirement is well-earned, but your presence will be missed by all who have had the privilege to serve and live alongside you.
Congratulations, and here’s to your next chapter! 🐾❤️
