Morrissette named acting fire chief, effective July 28
Date: 7/2/2012
July 2, 2012By Chris Maza
chrism@thereminder.comEAST LONGMEADOW — The Board of Selectmen, acting as public safety commissioners, voted to appoint Capt. Paul Morrissette as acting chief, effective July 28 following Deputy Fire Chief Stephen Rybacki's decision to pulling his name from consideration for the position.
The Board of Selectmen identified Morrissette and Rybacki as the two top candidates after an internal posting of the position in anticipation of Fire Chief Richard Brady's retirement. Interviews were initially set for the June 26 Board of Selectmen's meeting.
Brady is retiring in accordance with state law, which requires all fire chiefs to resign once they reach the age of 65. His last day on the job will be July 27.
Selectman James Driscoll told
Reminder Publications that he felt confident in the Fire Department's temporary leadership as the Board of Selectmen further evaluates the department's future.
"I think this puts us in a very enviable position," he said. "Capt. Morrissette finished a close second to Chief Brady when he was hired. It was one of the most difficult decisions I have had to make as a member of the Board of Selectmen."
As acting chief, Morrissette will have the chance to display his management style to the Board of Selectmen and the town.
"This is an opportunity where the town will be able to see him in action and we as a board will be working with him to set up some short-term goals for the department," Driscoll said.
Morrissette has served the town of East Longmeadow since 1995. He was promoted to lieutenant in December 2003 and promoted to captain in October 2008.
An East Longmeadow High School alum, he has an associate's degree in fire science from Springfield Technical Community College and a bachelor's degree in fire safety from Columbia Southern University of Orange Beach, Ala.
