Search Plan for New Fire Chief in the Works

With the current Norton Fire Chief Richard Gomes set to retire July 28, the search is on for his replacement.

While Town Manager Michael Yunits will select the next chief, selectmen choose who they will accept applications from. During the meeting last night, selectmen discussed testing within again, or extending their reach to the outside. While selectmen chairman Bradford Bramwell wants to give current Norton firefighters the opportunity to be promoted, other members of the board disagreed.

 “I think we have very good candidates, but why limit ourselves?” asked selectman Timothy R. Giblin.

 Selectmen Robert Kimball agreed, saying “I think we need to get the best for our buck. I prefer an open candidate list.”

 Gomes himself was selected from within the department after becoming the interim chief.

 Call firefighter and selectmen Robert Salvo was unable to comment on the issue due to his ties at the fire department, so the board closed the matter until he hears back from the ethics committee.

 If the search is opened beyond Norton Fire Department, a test must be given in March. An interim chief would then have to be appointed until July.

 A test was issued to two Norton firefighters March 19, but the results and identity of those who took it hasn’t been released yet.