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Date: 7/9/2015
LONGMEADOW – The Select Board unanimously appointed Fire Capt. John Dearborn as the Fire Department’s new chief during its July 9 meeting.
Dearborn follows longstanding chief Eric Madison in the position, who recently retired.
Town Manager Stephen Crane recommended Dearborn to the board after a search by Municipal Resources Incorporated (MRI) in which Dearborn and his peer Capt. Gerald Macsata were listed as “strong and viable” candidates compared to fire chiefs from across the country.
“Capt. Dearborn was the front runner at virtually every stage,” Crane added.
Crane said Dearborn and Macsata were well versed in firefighting knowledge outside of what is found in the town’s department.
“If they just came in the interview and talked about what they knew about the Longmeadow Fire Department that probably wouldn’t have been enough,” he added.
He noted that Dearborn’s salary is 10 percent less than Madison’s was due to Dearborn’s level of experience in the position.
The screening process entailed each candidate writing a 14-page essay, which Dearborn presented as part of his transition plan to the board.
Dearborn, who has been on the Fire Department for nearly 20 years, said currently the department is in a state of transition because several other staff members have retired.
“Hiring and promoting the right individuals can lead to the department to a long-term investment,” he added.
The department hopes to hire a new firefighter attending the first class master’s program at the Springfield Fire Academy, which would save the department “a substantial amount of money,” Dearborn said.
There are several grants that Dearborn will pursue for the department as well, which include a $5,000 performance grant and a mile reward saving grant.
“There’s also some grants for emergency management training, specifically [from the] regional Homeland Security Council,” he added.
Dearborn has also developed several training exercises that he plans to train firefighters with both in the town and with other communities.
During his first few months as chief Dearborn plans to finish training the department on the new Quint aerial ladder truck that is anticipated to begin operational use by the end of July.
He also hopes to work with the town’s new police chief and Department of Public Works director once they are appointed to their respective positions.
Amherst Fire Chief Tim Nelson, a longtime friend of Dearborn, said the town would not be disappointed with Dearborn’s leadership as fire chief.
“He’s going to be very good for your town,” Nelson said.