McQuaid set to lead Saugus Fire Department

SAUGUS ?Saugus Provisional Fire Chief Donald McQuaid said if it weren?t for his brother Jim, he never would have joined the fire department.?He was the one that got me interested in it,” said McQuaid, whose brother retired seven years ago. “He always loved the job. He was like an inspiration to work with. We worked together for 25 years, but the last year we got to work together in the same group. It was really great. He was a great firefighter.”Now, 25 years after joining the department, McQuaid, 59, is in the top spot after former Chief James Blanchard retired last month.?It?s completely different that?s for sure,” said McQuaid. “Every time the bells go off I look to go down and jump on the ladder. I miss that part of it.”McQuaid said he never gave much thought to being chief until Blanchard told him last year he was planning to retire.?All of a sudden I was taking the Civil Service exam,” said McQuaid. “It was like eight or nine months of studying, about 11 books, stress on the family. It?s a big commitment that?s for sure.”McQuaid will remain “provisional” until the town receives final approval of his certification from the state Civil Service Commission.McQuaid said his wife, Ann, and four kids Donny, 34, Jimmy, 33, Kelly, 28 and Sean, 24 were all behind him and thanked Blanchard for making sure he was prepared for his new role.?Once I realized I had passed the exam and was probably going to get the job, he brought me into the office and was an unbelievable help,” said McQuaid. “I still call him. I have him on speed dial. He?s very helpful and a really good chief. He really believes in the job, and I do, too. I can?t think of anything I would rather have done.”McQuaid said he hopes to carry on Blanchard?s strong advocacy for the firefighters and will work to maintain staffing.?He was always good for the men and looking out for the men so I?ll definitely try to do that too,” said McQuaid. “You could always count on him.”McQuaid joined the Fire Department full-time in 1987 and quickly rose through the ranks to lieutenant in 1992 and was named captain in 2002.Over that time, McQuaid said a lot has changed in firefighting, especially with the equipment.?The engines are better, the ladder?s better. The breathing apparatus gets lighter, which is nice as we get older,” said McQuaid. “The less we have to carry is a big deal in how long you?re going to be able to work and not get dehydrated.”The gear has changed, too, he said. It used to be rubber coats and tall rubber boots, and now it?s self-contained as one suit.?It?s safer, but you have to worry about dehydration a little more,” he saidIn his 25-year career, McQuaid said one fire in particular stands out for him: a house fire several years ago on Stanley Terrace.?Stanley Terrace was the hottest I?ve ever been at a fire,” said McQuaid. “We pulled up and the father had shot two people in the house and lit the house on fire. I just remember going up the stairs and being in a room, and I compare all my fires to that fires. That?s the hottest I?ve ever been.”With just a few weeks under his belt, McQuaid said he?s still adjusting to life as Saugus? newest fire chief, especially with all of the phone calls and visits he receives every day.But there?s still one aspect of the job that hasn?t changed for McQuaid.?This is a really nice place to work,” said McQuaid. “I enjoy working with the guys. In the morning I always try to spend a half hour with the guys when they?re in having coffee. That?s probably the highlight of the day.”Town Manager Scott Crabtree said there will be a ceremony sometime next week for McQuaid at Town Hall.Matt Tempesta may be reached at [email protected].