ITEM FILE PHOTO
Peabody City Hall.
BY ADAM SWIFT
PEABODY — Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt Jr. is seeking a new veterans agent by the end of summer.
The posting for the full-time job, with a maximum salary of $72,150, closes Friday, July 8.
“We have a number of applications in,” said Bettencourt. “The response has been strong and we have a healthy pool to choose from.”
In May, the mayor terminated Christopher Tighe, who served in the position for the past decade. Bettencourt has declined to explain his decision. In the interim, Salem Veterans Agent Kim Emerling has been assisting Peabody veterans.
When the posting closes, a panel of city officials and veterans will interview the top candidates and make a recommendation to the mayor. A decision is expected this summer.
“This is an extremely important job,” said Bettencourt. “We want someone who has good communication skills, knows the rules and regulations, and will be there to assist veterans in all their needs.”
Candidates must be a veteran with an honorable discharge from any of the military services and be able to complete the Department of Veterans’ Services certification process within one year.
As the hiring process continues, Peabody veterans can continue to call or visit the Veterans Services Department at Peabody City Hall with questions or requests for assistance at 978-538-5928. Veterans Services staff will refer individual inquiries and requests to Salem as needed. Those veterans who wish to contact Salem Veterans Services directly can do so at 978-745-0883.
Adam Swift can be reached at [email protected].
