Swampscott Fire decision expected; Breen to be named chief at selectmen meeting Tuesday

SWAMPSCOTT – Selectmen are expected to appoint a new fire chief Tuesday evening.According to the agenda posted at Town Hall, Town Administrator Andrew Maylor is recommending Acting Deputy Chief Kevin Breen be appointed fire chief through June 30, 2013.Breen received the highest score out of the four candidates, who participated in the assessment center process.Acting Chief Kevin Thomsen, Capt. Graham Archer, Lt. James Potts and Breen all participated in the assessment process, which was held Sept. 14.Breen, who is officially a captain and the fire prevention officer, has been with the department for 24 years.Board of Selectmen Chairman Jill Sullivan said she would support Breen’s appointment.?Kevin has a lot of experience,” she said. “I think he’s going to do great job.”Selectman David Van Dam also said he would support Breen’s appointment as chief.?Kevin has been on the fire department for many years and is a veteran firefighter,” Van Dam said. “He has a clear understanding of the needs of Swampscott and is a very qualified individual. I am going to support his appointment.”Selectman Richard Malagrifa said based on the information he has received, he would also support the appointment.?He scored the highest on the assessment center,” Malagrifa said. “I think he will make a great fire chief.”Calls to selectmen Robert Mazow and Matthew Strauss were not returned on Friday.It has been a couple of years since the department has had a permanent chief. The last three fire chiefs were all acting chiefs because none passed the Civil Service written chief’s exam.Thomsen was appointed acting chief as of July 2, when former acting chief Michael Champion retired. Champion was appointed acting chief in July 2008 when Chief Richard Carmody, the last permanent fire chief, retired.