MAYOR J. CHRISTIAN DUMAIS ANNOUNCES 2025 LABOR DAY PARADE GRAND MARSHAL: DAVID WALTON
MARLBOROUGH, MA – Mayor J. Christian Dumais is proud to announce that David Walton has been selected as the Grand Marshal for the 2025 Labor Day Parade.
A long-time firefighter and EMT with decades of hands-on experience, David co-founded Patriot Ambulance with his partner Maurice Ryan in 1979. David Walton and Patriot Ambulance have provided exceptional Emergency Medical Services (EMS) in Marlborough for more than 30 years, serving over 220,000 citizens across Marlborough and other local communities. Now in retirement, he enjoys life with his wife Gail of 51 years, spending time with their son David, his wife Erica, and their two boys, LJ and Griffin, who live in Marlborough, as well as with their daughter Kimberley, her husband Mark, and their three daughters, Libby, Ella, and Gracie, who reside in Concord.
Throughout his career, David worked tirelessly to foster a strong and cooperative relationship with the Marlborough Fire Department, ensuring seamless emergency response for the community. Beyond EMS, he and his team have offered training and education to countless businesses, civic organizations, and students, while supporting numerous community programs and events.
David’s professional and civic achievements are widely recognized. He is a former member of the Marlborough Rotary, Merrimack Valley Chamber of Commerce, and Lawrence Rotary. In 2007, he was named “Businessperson of the Year” by the Marlborough Regional Chamber of Commerce, later serving as chairman of the chamber’s board in 2011. His community service has also earned him the Rotary Club’s “Paul Harris Fellow Award” in 2010 and the “Humanitarian of the Year Award” in 2014. Additionally, David served as a member of the Board of Trustees of UMass Memorial – Marlborough Hospital.
“Dave has been instrumental with Emergency Services for the City of Marlborough with his company Patriot Ambulance for decades. With his retirement and the sale of the business there is no better time to thank him for ALL he has done for this community. I first got to know Dave while serving as a City Councilor, and when we worked together on the Fire Station Committee in 2018. Since then, we’ve stayed in touch, and it is truly an honor to now serve alongside him on the Executive Board of the Marlborough Economic Development Corporation. His passion for this city has no bounds. Having him as Grand Marshal for me is a way to say thank you Dave for all that you have done over the years for the City of Marlborough. You deserve this moment to shine. Thank you for the dedication, love for the city, and support.” said Mayor J. Christian Dumais.
“Dave Walton has a long history of delivering high-quality public safety services. His early years serving as a firefighter/EMT undoubtedly contributed to his commitment to top-notch customer and community service. It was a privilege to be associated with Dave Walton and Patriot Ambulance these last ten years. On behalf of the members of Marlborough Fire Department, we thank him for all he has done for our city and especially, our fire department.” said Fire Chief Keven Breen.
“Dave’s dedication and his work with the MEDC and other programs in the city show the kind of person he is,” said Assistant Fire Chief Gogan. “I wish him and his family a long and healthy retirement.” The 2025 Marlborough Labor Day Parade will take place on Monday, September 1, at 12:00 p.m., featuring marching bands, floats, community groups, and special performances. Thousands are expected to attend this annual celebration of local pride and community spirit.