Charles Doody

Deputy fire chief, Canton

Tell us about yourself.

“I am extremely proud to be part of a profession that tries to help people regardless of race, religion, lifestyle or financial position.”

“I consider myself fortunate to do a job that I love and to be able to work with so many honorable men and women.”

“When the alarm clock goes off and you look forward to going to work ... you’ve found the right job.”

“There have been a few experiences in my career where you really have the feeling that you truly helped people.”

THE SKINNY
RANK: Deputy chief
AGE: 41
HIRED IN CANTON: 1995

Photo by Gary Higgins

BIO: Charles Doody grew up in Canton. After graduating from Canton High in 1985, he attended the University of New Hampshire, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English and a master’s in education. He was hired as a teacher in Cohasset. While teaching, he began to think about following in the footsteps of his father, Allen “Bucky” Doody, who was a firefighter in Canton for 37 years. He took the firefighter exam in 1994 and was hired in Canton by then-Chief James Fitzpatrick in 1995. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2000 and deputy chief in 2002. One of his fondest memories is working a shift with his father as a lieutenant.

He and his high school sweetheart, Lisa, were married in 1993. They have three children, Michael, 13, Kevin, 11, and Kathryn, 9.

What did you want to be when you were a kid? A professional baseball player or coach

Best advice you ever got: “Always listen. Keep your mouth shut and listen to those who have more experience than you have.”

Person who gave it to you: Father

What do you do in your time off? “I coach basketball, football and baseball. My kids are probably sick of me, but I love it.” He also plays golf and loves to read.