Wakefield Fire Chief Applauded For Department's Efforts

Less than a week after the First Baptist Church was destroyed in a seven-alarm fire, Wakefield Fire Chief Michael Sullivan appeared before the Town Council Monday with updates and praise for his department.

"It was very painful to watch it burn down," said Sullivan, mirroring what many in town felt.

Sullivan, however, came before the council with praise for the men and women under him.

"I'm extremely proud of the Wakefield Fire Department," said Sullivan. "I want to make sure they get credit for their actions."

Much of the credit was directed at the department's success in saving the buildings around the church, including Town Hall on one side, Artichokes on the other. Saying "they were starting to steam," Sullivan said it was fortunate there was no wind and it had been pouring rain. Three to five million gallons of water were poured onto the fire over the course of four to five hours.

Town Administrator Stephen Maio along with each of the seven Council members had praise for Sullivan and his department. With 100 firefighters from almost 20 communities, the efforts were "as seemless as you can get," said Maio, who later added the town would be working with Church leadership to provide any help it can.

In other council action ... and talk about burying the lead ... Santa Claus is coming to town. The Council voted 7-0 to approve the request by the Wakefield Lions Club to place Santa's Headquarters on the common during the week of Nov. 26 through Dec. 23 and to have Santa arrive on Dec. 8. "This is the most important thing we're doing tonight," said Council chair Peter May.

The Council approved by a 6-1 vote (Ed Dombroski voted no) that the town's paid parking spots along Main Street in Greenwood be increased to $3 per day during the week. The fee had been $2 ... a stop sign will be installed on Walnut Street at the intersection with Gould Street after Council approval ... the Wakefield Emergency Fund was approved. The fund will support residents in time of crisis, not necessarily with money but with support and help in dealing with emergencies. It's something that communities like Melrose and Cambridge have and have greatly benefited residents in need ... Paul Somers and Anu Gerweck were approved as new members on the Lake Bench Committee ... Joseph O'Callaghan was approved as the Local Building Inspector ... Monday's Town Meeting will have the help of six Wakefield High students after approval Monday. Andrew Rosenberg, Rebecca Hunt, Rachel Janielis, Joanne Janielis, Ellen Marcelo, and Dale Denham will be working, not to mention getting a first hand look at democracy in action.

Photo by Bob Holmes