KEENE, N.H. (MyKeeneNow) Southwestern New Hampshire Fire Mutual Aid Dispatch has announced a leadership transition following the retirement of longtime Chief Joe Sangermano, who is stepping down after more than 30 years of service to the agency and the region’s first responders.

Taking the helm is Michael Winn, a veteran fire service leader from Massachusetts with more than three decades of experience. Winn, who now commutes daily from his home in Erving, Mass., served as fire chief in both Greenfield and in the Centerville-Osterville-Marstons Mills Fire and Rescue Department in Barnstable before joining the Keene-based dispatch organization.

In a message to member departments, Winn praised Sangermano’s decades of commitment and leadership, calling his retirement “well-earned” and wishing him good health in the years ahead. Winn also expressed gratitude for the outgoing chief’s guidance during the leadership transition.

Winn said his focus moving forward will be on supporting the region’s first responders and ensuring that the dispatch center continues to provide top-tier communications and coordination across southwestern New Hampshire. “Our people are our greatest asset,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to service, dedication, and compassion in emergency response.

Sangermano’s retirement marks the end of an era for the agency, which serves dozens of fire and emergency departments throughout the Monadnock Region.