Groton council appoints two battalion chiefs to city fire department

The Groton mayor and council unanimously approved promotions of two long-serving firefighters to battalion chief on a routine vote during their July meeting. Kevin Price and Christian Grabalski were appointed effective July 20, 2026, and each took the oath of office at the meeting.

A fire department official introduced Kevin Price, noting he joined the city fire department in 2005 and ‘‘finished number 1 in the process to become battalion chief’’ after oral and written exams and outside interviews, and recommended his promotion. After the council voted in favor, the clerk administered the oath. Price thanked the council and his colleagues and family, saying, ‘‘It’s an honor and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly.’’

The council then approved the appointment of Christian Grabalski. A presenting official said Grabalski started with the department in 2003, has 23 years of service, is a paramedic and holds a bachelor’s degree in fire science. The council voted to approve the appointment and the clerk administered the oath. Grabalski thanked the mayor, council, chief and his family, promising to ‘‘lead with integrity and honesty’’ and to prioritize safety for the department and citizens.

Council members did not raise questions before the votes, which passed unanimously. The council recessed briefly after the swearing-in to congratulate the new battalion chiefs.

The appointments were presented as internal promotions following standard competitive selection processes; the council did not indicate any conditions or follow-up actions beyond the effective date stated in the resolutions.