Politics & Government

Selectmen Swear in New Fire Chief (VIDEO)

Fire Chief Peter Ford sworn in by the Board of Selectmen at last night's Seletmen's meeting.

Last night, incoming Fire Chief Paul Ford was sworn in at the Brookline Board of Selectmen's meeting. The new fire chief comes via Fall River, where he has served since 1983, and was appointed chief in 2008.

Town Administrator Mel Kleckner described a by which Ford was selected as the final candidate. Selectwoman Jesse Mermell commented that Brookline had "an embarrassment of riches" in the applicant pool. 

“Chief Ford has, really, recognized the importance of management skills, but he also came across as someone who’d be a firefighter’s firefighter.” said Selectman Dick Benka. “He's not just someone who treats firefighting theoretically, but knows the realities of firefighting.”

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Ford's family was present for the occasion. He was sworn in by Town Clerk Patrick Ward, and had his badge pinned on by his wife. 

"Thanks to leadership of Chiefs [John] Green and , is poised to reach a new level of leadership," added Mermell

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Former fire chief Peter Skerry retired in April. Since then, interim fire chief John Green had resumed his duties in Brookline until a replacement was selected and sworn in. Ford begins his duties next week. 

The Selectmen also executed a 3-year contract with Ford, which expires on Nov 6, 2014. 


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