Brady is new Fire Chief

Date: 1/2/2008

HAIL TO THE CHIEF Town Clerk Tom Florence swore in Richard Brady on Friday as the new Fire Chief of East Longmeadow. On hand were selectmen Jack Villamaino (holding the Bible) and Joe Townshend.

"It's a sad day but also a happy one," Villamaino said. "A man like Bob Wallace can't be replaced ... but Brady will be able to certainly cushion the blow of Bob's departure."

"With 31 1/2 years of experience, he won't be using this as a springboard for another job," Townshend joked.

A teary-eyed Wallace said leaving his position was "bittersweet," but he's looking forward to babysitting his seven grandchildren, remodeling his home and working on his own schedule, not that of the town.

"I never dreamed of this," Brady said. "I'll be finishing my career here. I was encouraged by so many people to go for this and I'm so excited to fill the position."

His wife Cheri is excited as well. Brady's swearing in fell on the same day as the couple's 40th wedding anniversary. "It's a doubly special day," she said. "This is such a thrill. It's a dream come true for him."

Reminder Publications photo by Courtney Llewellyn