NAHANT — Austin Antrim is officially the town’s new fire chief after receiving approval Wednesday night from the Board of Selectmen.
In a May Town Meeting, Nahant approved hiring a full-time chief after only having a “working chief.” Antrim takes over for Dean Palumbo, who recently retired after holding the working chief position.
Board of Selectmen Chair Joshua Antrim mentioned that Austin is his nephew and that he is very proud of him; the elder Antrim abstained from discussion and voting. It was also a special moment for Selectman Mark Cullinan, who appointed Austin as a member of the fire department “when he first came out.”
Board Vice Chairman Eugene Canty said that he didn’t know the new fire chief well, but that his reputation has preceded him.
“When I was looking through his resume, his extensive education in the fire arena, his experience, his training, his grant procurements, everything’s there including a lifetime goal to be a fireman. We certainly have the right person,” he said.
Town Manager Antonio Barletta said that this was an exciting day for Nahant. The town had applicants from all over the commonwealth — as well as in New York and Pennsylvania — but Barletta said no candidate had the passion that Antrim has.
“He has such an instinctual passion and love for this town and for the department and for the guys,” Barletta said. “He has great ideas about how to continue the top-notch service that we provide for the community and how to improve upon the department in the future. This is an extremely important appointment from my perspective as one of the core department heads.”
With the Board of Selectmen officially approving the hire, Antrim will get sworn in as fire chief on Friday, July 23.
“I’m really excited for the opportunity,” Antrim said. “I’m looking forward to working with all the men and women on the department, (and to) continue the work Chief Palumbo started. (I’ll) continue to try and move the department forward in a positive direction.”
