LYNN — It was a historic night for the Lynn Fire Department on Tuesday, as 20 new firefighters, paid for through a federal grant, were sworn in and five of its members were promoted, according to Lynn Fire Chief Stephen Archer.
The promotions included Stacy Borjeson, who became the first female lieutenant in the history of the city’s fire department.
Over the summer, the Lynn Fire Department was awarded a $3.45 million Staffing for Adequate & Fire Emergency Response (SAFER) grant through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to hire 20 new firefighters, which brings its staffing level to 183 and closer to its optimal goal of 190.
In addition, the department was granted a hardship waiver, which saved the city from providing a 25 percent match, and meant the city’s actual grant was $2 million more, which covers the cost of the 20 salaries for three years.
“The importance of receiving this grant cannot be overemphasized,” Archer said. “It assists this department in getting back toward the level of readiness we feel is necessary to continue our mission of protecting the lives and property of the city of Lynn.”
Mayor Thomas M. McGee delivered congratulatory remarks and Dave Parr from FEMA presented a symbolic $5.6 million check to the city.
In a statement to the Item, U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton congratulated the new firefighters. The congressman voted to secure the SAFER grant funding for the city.
“Congratulations and thank you to the new firefighters who have answered the call to serve in Lynn and are now officially sworn in,” Moulton said.
The 20 new firefighters sworn in by City Clerk Janet Rowe are: John Barry, Timothy Borders, Trevor Bryant, Michael Burns, Marc Churchill, Joshua Echevarria, Kyle Emmonds, Charles Gheringhelli, Ryan Goodwin, Jacob Griffith, Kurtis King, Douglas Mead, Marc Moise, Daniel Neary, Dustin O’Neill, Peter Olson, Andrew Richard, Joseph Russell, Souraxay Saengthavy, and Robert Tamilio.
The five firefighters promoted were Deputy Chief Arthur J. Richard, District Chief Daniel Sullivan, Capt. Michael Downey, Lt. Joel Abreu and Lt. Borjeson.
