HAVERHILL — The voices of two veterans have cleared the radio for the last time in Haverhill, hanging their gear to close careers that collectively spanned 60 years.
This month, Lt. Roger Moses retired after more than 33 years with the Haverhill Fire Department, while Capt. Todd Giampa closed out his career of more than 28 years with the fire service.
Department officials shared their praise for both men online, recognizing their leadership, mentorship and dedication to serve and protect the city throughout each respective career.
Lt. Roger Moses
Moses first strapped on the helmet on Aug. 1, 1993, and during his tenure, built a reputation for professionalism, integrity and “quiet leadership,” according to the Haverhill Fire Department
He was promoted to lieutenant in 2003 before serving in the Fire Prevention Division and later taking over Fire Alarm in 2018. Along the way, Moses was honored as Haverhill Firefighter of the Year in both 2000 and 2015.
A lifelong Haverhill resident, Moses said that with 33 years in the books, it felt like the right time to step away from the profession, which he called a “young man’s game.”
Now 61, Moses reflected on his first days as a recruit assigned to Engine 3, following in the footsteps of both his uncle and older brother, who were firefighters.
Moses said he has watched the department steadily evolve over the years, commenting on the increase in staffing.
“We’ve progressed pretty well,” he said. “We got new engines and a lot more firefighters. What I’ve seen has been good, and seeing continued growth would be nice.”
Being promoted to lieutenant, he said he understood the assignment and prioritized leading by example, rising to the role of a commander for the firefighters on his engine.{span class=”print_trim”}
A highlight for the career would have to be serving alongside the next generation in his family. Things came full circle last November, when his son, Elijah, joined the Fire Department as a firefighter.
Moses said he is filled with pride from his son’s accomplishments, adding that his boy didn’t just make it through the academy, but “took it by the reins.”
“Few firefighters have the opportunity to wear the same badge and serve alongside their son,” the department wrote. “Making it a remarkable chapter in a career already filled with meaningful accomplishments.”
In retirement, Moses said he plans to stay close to home for the most part, but also to travel whenever possible. He expects to remain connected with his brothers and sisters from the department, especially with his son being one of the guys on the truck.
His final message to both his fellow firefighters and the community was simple:
“Stay safe,” he said. “Safety always comes first.”
Capt. Todd Giampa Earlier this month, the Haverhill Fire Department also congratulated Giampa for wrapping up his successful 28 years of service in the city. With decades dedicated to the community, Giampa eventually earned himself the rank of captain in 2024.
“Throughout his career, Todd answered countless calls, mentored young firefighters, and served alongside multiple generations of Haverhill firefighters,” the department wrote. “As he begins this next chapter, he leaves behind a lasting impact on the department and on everyone who had the privilege of serving beside him.”
Giampa grew up in the city and attended Haverhill Public Schools before serving in the U.S. Navy. His service didn’t stop there as he later joined the Fire Department and started on Jan. 4, 1998.
The veteran commented on all of the improvements in equipment, apparatus and protective gear he had witnessed over the years — seeing the department apply for grants and put continued investments into the materials that help protect the community.
Giampa recalled the camaraderie shared by firefighters beyond emergency calls, particularly when their shifts were wrapped up.
Outside the station, he was well known as a standout player on the Fire Department’s hockey team, often getting away from the job to spend time on the ice with his colleagues.
The department wrote that he played a big part in the rink on a team of firefighters where many used to play hockey for Haverhill High School back in the day.
Looking back on his service, Giampa said that having the job experience in Haverhill is like no other, with such a wide variety of emergency calls that could hit the station at any moment.
“Being in Haverhill, you learn really quickly every aspect of the job,” he said. “You could be at a family ranch house one day, then you could be at a double-decker the next.”
“I think that guys that are on the job in Haverhill could work in any city there is,” Giampa added.
In their congratulation, the Fire Department said it wishes Giampa a deserved retirement on the golf course or at the beach.
Giampa explained that much of his adult life was devoted to balancing work at the firehouse with family responsibilities, leaving little time to travel. Retirement, he said, will finally give him that opportunity to make up for lost off-time.
“Now, I am just enjoying retirement.”