Newly appointed Interim Lowell Fire Chief David Keene (right) stands with Phil Charron, who just retired from the position, in this 2023 LFD photo.

InsideLowell has learned that City Manager Tom Golden today named David Keene as the Interim Chief of the Lowell Fire Department.

Keene steps in for Phil Charron, who announced his retirement to the department this past June and served his last day on the job September 26th.

A Lieutenant at the time, Keene ascended to the post of Assistant to the Fire Chief in November of 2022. He’s served over three decades with LFD.

The process of naming a permanent replacement is expected to begin in October, though it’s not clear at this time if Keene will be a candidate for the position.

“I’m focusing on what’s in front of us,” Keene told InsideLowell when contacted Monday night. “My job, with the assistance of my leadership team, is to not only keep the ship afloat, but moving forward during the city’s process. I have every confidence we can provide the services Lowell has become accustomed to from Lowell Firefighters during this time.”

Manager Golden did not respond to our requests for comment.