Nahant names new fire chief

NAHANT – He’s given up the acting. Edward Hyde, who has been the acting fire chief April 29, was appointed fire chief recently.?I’m very excited,” Hyde said. “I’ve been acting chief for five months now and I am really looking forward to serving the people of Nahant as chief.”Hyde, who signed a three-year contract with the town last Thursday, is starting his 25th year with the department. He said he wishes his parents were still alive to witness him being sworn in as chief.?I’m sure my father and mother are both smiling down from above,” Hyde said. “My father (Fred Hyde) was a Nahant firefighter for 30 years and he served as chief for years. I had the wonderful opportunity to work with him in his last year with the department. His last year was my first year.”Nahant Town Administrator Mark Cullinan said the appointment will help the department, which has had two changes in leadership in the last year.?Eddie is a dedicated professional,” Cullinan said. “He will bring stability to the department and carry the department forward into the future.”Hyde is the first permanent chief since March 1 when former Chief Robert Ward retired. Kevin Howard was appointed as acting chief in March to replace Ward. Hyde was appointed acting chief when Howard stepped down after allegations of embezzlement surfaced.Selectman Michael Manning, who was a former call firefighter in town for 10 years and worked with Hyde, said he is confident the department is in good hands.?I’m sure Ed will do a great job,” Manning said. “When I was a call firefighter he was in charge of call firefighter training among other things. He has a skill set and a quiet demeanor that will serve him well on the job.”Selectman Richard Lombard agreed that Hyde has been an exemplary leader.?He’s done a great job during this transition,” Hyde said. “He’s been a very dedicated firefighter and we’re very proud of him. During the recent turmoil he rose to the top and has done an excellent job managing the department.”Hyde said the last five months have gone well and he is looking forward to the future.?I have a great group of men and women to work with,” Hyde said. “We have completed upgrading the radio communications systems and we are getting new self contained breathing apparatus units. We have a lot of other projects in the works and several grants out there I applied for. We have four of our call firefighters currently attending the call firefighter academy.”Hyde said he would accessible to residents, who have service related questions and concerns.?I am working for the residents of Nahant,” he said. “I want people to know I’m ready to assist them whenever possible.”