Former Berkley, Avon Chief Named as New Easton Fire Chief

Kevin P. Partridge will take over as the new Easton Fire Chief, Town Administrator David Colton said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.

Partridge currently works for the State Fire Marshal as the Director of Homeland Security for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Service.

Partridge, a Berkley resident who lives with his wife Janet and their two sons John and Nicholas, is also the former Fire Chief in Berkley and Avon. He has served as the Town Moderator in Berkley and he has attended of the National Fire Academy, Executive Fire Officer Program and Bristol Community College.

Partridge's hiring comes after Fire Chief Tom Stone after nine years as the fire chief and 33 years of service. His final day at work will be on Jan. 27.

Colton chose Partridge from four finalists that included Waterbury Conn. Battalion Chief James Peplau, Whitman Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Feeney and Fire Academy Deputy Director Mark Pare.

Experience was a key factor in his hiring, Colton said.

"Chief Partridge brings a wealth of technical knowledge to the position of Fire Chief from over 25 years of experience rising through the ranks from Firefighter, to Lieutenant, Captain, Chief and in 2006 to the position of Director of Homeland Security," Colton's statement said.  "In addition, he received the top score in our assessment center conducted by the MMA Consulting Group on December 8, 2011. Chief Partridge also brings excellent communication skills and knowledge of town government, and his experience in Homeland Security will help us improve our emergency preparedness.

"We are fortunate to have recruited a skilled professional firefighter, experienced Chief, competent manager, highly recommended, and civic minded individual to lead the Easton Fire Department into the future"

Editor's note: A previous version of this article stated that Partridge graduated from the Executive Officer Program. He attended the program for one year. Patch regrets the error.