PEABODY — Joseph L. Daly, a Peabody firefighter for nearly 30 years, has been named chief.
Mayor Edward Bettencourt Jr. chose the 54-year-old deputy fire chief over three other internal candidates. He replaces Steven Pasdo, who served in the post for 18 years and will retire next week.
“Joe brings 28 years of experience as a member of the Peabody Fire Department to the job,” said Bettencourt in a statement. “He has demonstrated extraordinary leadership capabilities during his nine years as deputy chief and a remarkable insight into the inner workings of the department.”
The Peabody native, who lives in Danvers, started his career as a firefighter in the U.S. Air Force Reserve. He served in two Gulf War operations, Desert Shield and Desert Storm, and reached the rank of sergeant before his honorable discharge.
A Peabody Veterans Memorial High School graduate, Daly started his career as a Peabody firefighter in 1991 and rose through the ranks. He was appointed lieutenant in 1996, captain in 2000 and deputy chief in 2010.
Daly said no major improvements are needed on the force.
“The department’s in real good shape,” he said. “It only needs fine tuning. We have to keep up with the changes in technology and equipment.”
He became a firefighter for a simple reason, Daly said, to help people.
“Of course a job that requires running into a burning building defies logic,” he said. “But the best part of it is making a difference at the worst moment of someone’s life. With the proper training, equipment and teamwork it’s risky, but can be safe at the same time.”
Police Chief Thomas Griffin said Daly has a great reputation within the fire department and across the city.
“He will be a good partner in public safety with me going forward,” he said.
