Swampscott approves promotion of veteran firefighter to deputy chief

SWAMPSCOTT – Selectmen Tuesday night approved two appointments to the fire department, promoting a 22-year veteran of the force to a new permanent position and welcoming a new recruit to the squad.Selectmen unanimously approved James Potts as deputy chief and Chief Kevin Breen administered the oath of office to the 22-year veteran of the force.For the past six months since Breen was promoted to chief, Potts has served as acting deputy chief and fire prevention officer in addition to continuing in his role as captain.”This is somebody who has an exceptional value to our community,” said Town Administrator Andrew Maylor in approval of Potts’ promotion.Selectmen also approved the appointment of Christopher Drinon to the force. A former reserve firefighter, Drinon will join the force as its newest permanent full-time firefighter once he completes physical and health screenings.Maylor said that the town plans to add to the reserve list in the future.In other business, selectmen unanimously approved a request from National Grid to install 300 feet of electric duct lines underneath Puritan Road. According to plans submitted to the town, the line will be replaced between the two outlets of Woodbine Avenue and involves installing plastic piping encased in concrete. Selectmen stipulated that the street be repaved “curb-to-curb,” as the street was repaved within the last three years. National Grid representative John Jankowski estimated that the project would take between three and four weeks, depending on the weather.Selectmen accepted a draft map showing proposed updates to the town’s voting precincts. Town Clerk Sue Duplin explained that every city and town must update the precinct map after the census to have each precinct represent a relatively equal number of the population.To meet this target, the map proposes expanding District 2 along its southern edge to Monument Avenue (formerly district 3) and encompassing adjacent sections of Districts 1 and 6. District 3 will be expanded to include the section of District 1 bordered by Eureka Avenue, Jessie Street and the Lynn border. The map will be sent to the Secretary of State’s office for approval and then to the Local Election District Review Commission. If approved, the boundaries become effective Dec. 31.