New Easton Fire Chief Ready For a Challenge

After working for the state as the Director of Homeland Security for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Department of Fire Services, Kevin Partridge says he is ready to get back to doing what he enjoys most - providing public safety.

"I was ready to get back into being in a fire department," he said Thursday. "A lot of what I did with the Department of Fire Services was involved with the fire services, but it wasn’t on the street providing public safety. I miss that and I’m looking forward to getting back."

Town Administrator Partridge would be Thomas Stone's successor as Easton's new fire chief. It will be the first time Easton has seen a new head of the department since nine years ago when Stone, a 33-year veteran and Easton native, took over.

"One of the things that I was looking for is somewhere where I didn’t have to relocate and move," Partridge said. "Easton was that opportunity. It’s a nice town and a good sized department.

"There will be a lot of challenges and opportunities there."

Partridge is a resident of Berkley, where he formerly served as the fire chief (he also served as the chief in Avon), and even did a stint as Town Moderator. Before becoming the Director of Homeland Security in 2006, he served in a variety of positions, including firefighter, lieutenant and captain.

He said his position with the state will be beneficial in a time when budgets are slimming and obtaining state and federal grants have become necessary to stay afloat. Just last year, the town of Easton cut two firefighter positions and reduced the use of the Depot Street Station.

"With my time with the state, I’ve had some opportunities to make some good professional connections," he said. "I do a lot of work here on grants, so hopefully, I’ll be able to look at some of the federal grants that are available that we can apply for. Hopefully, we’ll be successful to bring some grants to the department."

Beginning Jan. 16, Partridge will work with Stone during a transition period. Stone is set to leave Jan. 27.

"We’ll get around and meet the various town department heads and get to know a little bit about the department – some of the concerns there may be," he said.

Addressing all of the concerns, Partridge acknowled, is a difficult task.

"The chief of the department – it's not easy," he said. "There are a lot of challenges that they face and there’s a lot of responsibility to make sure the community is protected to the best of the department’s ability. So, I’m ready to get in there and meet the guys down at the department and work together with them as part of the team to provide that public safety."