Swampscott names interim fire chief

SWAMPSCOTT – An interim fire chief was appointed Tuesday evening by the selectmen.Capt. Kevin Thompson was appointed acting chief effective July 2, which is when Acting Fire Chief Michael Champion retires.Thompson, who was hired as a permanent firefighter in December 1976 and made captain in 1991, will lead the department until a permanent chief is hired.Town Administrator Andrew Maylor said Thompson is well qualified for the position.”Kevin Thompson is a top-notch superior officer,” he said.The selectmen voted unanimously to appoint Thompson, who said he is pleased to have the opportunity to serve as interim chief.”I hope I can keep the ship in calm waters,” he said.Selectman Jill Sullivan thanked Champion for his years of service to the town.”I appreciate the opportunity to serve,” Champion said.Maylor said the provisional appointment is contract-based and would remain in effect until a permanent chief is hired.The assessment process to hire a permanent fire chief to replace Champion is already well under way. After a public bid process, the town contracted with MMA Consulting Group Inc., which will establish the civil service-based assessment center.Maylor said he expects the process of selecting a chief through an assessment center would take several months.In earlier interviews, Maylor explained because the fire chief position is a civil service position in town, some civil service rules would apply and only current members of the department are eligible to participate in the assessment center, which will consist of a tactical exercise. Maylor said he expects the process would be complete by mid-September and he would make a recommendation to the selectmen regarding a permanent appointment at that time.The selectmen also voted unanimously to appoint Christopher DiPietro as permanent firefighter to fill the vacancy left by Champion’s retirement.