New provisional fire chief takes oath in Saugus; three promoted

SAUGUS – Saugus Provisional Fire Chief Donald McQuaid was officially sworn in at Town Hall Thursday morning, along with three other firefighters who received promotions.Town Manager Scott Crabtree said it was a “proud day” for the town and for those being promoted as more than 50 people packed the auditorium for the ceremony.?For a change it?s a positive thing that we?re here to celebrate these promotions,” said Crabtree.McQuaid, 59, was named provisional chief last month after former chief James Blanchard retired. While he has been serving as chief for more than a month, Thursday was the first time he was sworn in and took the oath.?It feels really good,” said McQuaid, who has been with the department for 25 years. “It?s a weight off the shoulders and I?m lucky.”McQuaid said he is still technically provisional chief, noting there?s been a delay in trying to get the certified list from Civil Service.Crabtree pointed to several highlights from McQuaid?s career, including rescuing a dog that fell through ice in the Saugus River and helping to save a family from a multistory house fire.Crabtree called McQuaid an “outstanding leader that we need at this time.”?He has served the department and our fellow townspeople under five chiefs ?” said Crabtree. “He has quite the strength. When he speaks it is thoughtful, it is strong, it is with knowledge and never more words than you need to get the job done.”McQuaid?s wife, Ann, said her husband worked hard to become chief, but noted she doesn?t think she?ll be able to stop worrying about him because he likes to be “in the thick of things.”?If he was a normal chief I would,” she said. “He?s apt to go into the building anyway. I worried a little less when he became captain then I found out he was doing all the same stuff. I keep telling him he has to stay out and direct. His daughter keeps telling him the same thing.”Firefighters Tom Kaminski, Tom Deon and Michael Newbury were also sworn into their new positions Thursday. Kaminski was recently named captain while Deon earned the rank of lieutenant. Newbury, who was promoted to captain last year, was named executive officer and will be running the fire prevention department.Newbury said he?s happy to be working with such a “fantastic administrative team.”?I?m really excited,” said Newbury. “I put a lot of hard work into it. But I?m more excited to be with the people I?m working with. Don McQuaid ? we?ve grown very close and have become fast friends, and he?s a solid leader. I?m looking forward to doing all the fire prevention with him and Capt. Kaminski. He?s a real thorough person and really qualified.”Matt Tempesta can be reached at [email protected].