Nahant appoints new harbormaster

NAHANT – The town has a new harbormaster and his expertise on the ocean rescue team will enhance public safety at the wharf, according to town officials.Robert Tibbo has been appointed harbormaster. He replaced James Ward, who retired.Nahant Town Administrator Mark Cullinan said Tibbo brings a lot to the job.?He (Ward) has done a great job,” Cullinan said, “We appreciate his service to the town. Now we’re working on bringing more resources to that office. Rob (Tibbo) is a senior member of the Nahant Ocean Rescue. This is an opportunity to provide additional services at the wharf and enhance public safety.”Tibbo, who was appointed last week, said he is looking forward to filling the role of harbormaster.?I am honored by the challenge,” he said. “I will do my best to continue the good work (former harbormasters) Jim Ward and Bill Waters did. I hold them both in high esteem.”Fire Chief Edward Hyde said Tibbo’s appointment will allow the fire department and harbormaster to coordinate resources more effectively in order to provide better service to the town and area boaters.?I’ve known Rob (Tibbo) for years,” Hyde said. “He’s a senior member of the call fire department and the ocean rescue team. I think he’ll do a great job as harbormaster and I look forward to working with him.”Tibbo said decision have not been made yet on what changes would be implemented, but one goal is to improve emergency services by increasing access to the harbormasters boat.?We will have additional people from the fire department and hopefully the police department to get more training on the boat,” he said. “We want to have more people trained to staff it and bring public safety to the forefront.”First Assistant Harbormaster Mike Kairevich, who is a former U.S. Navy navigator and has decades of experience on the water, said he supports Tibbo’s appointment.?He’s going to do a good job,” Kairevich said. “I’m looking forward to working with him. Rob (Tibbo) is an EMT and it’s nice to have an EMT aboard.”Andy Puleo, who is one of several assistant harbormasters, said he also believes Tibbo is a good choice for harbormaster.?I worked with Tibbo as a call fighter,” Puleo said. “He’s been on the water since long before I knew him. He had good training from his father and grandfather. I think he’ll do a good job.”Roz Puleo, who has been an assistant harbormaster for six years, said she is looking forward to working with Tibbo.?He has been in Nahant all his life and on the water most of it,” she said. “He’s personable and gets along with everyone. I think it’ll be a few good years with him at the helm.”