LYNN — City Clerk Janet Rowe swore Fire Chief Daniel Sullivan into office Tuesday night, along with six newly-promoted firefighters.
Firefighters, police officers, and politicians packed City Council Chambers as Fire Lieutenants Dan Dulong and Brett Johnson, Captains Michael Carmody and Steven Stille, and District Chiefs John Lynch and Robert McIntosh approached the podium two-by-two, raised their right hands, and swore an oath to serve and protect their city and country.
Rowe swore in Sullivan last, with an oath that preceded a standing ovation from the audience, as well as a speech from Mayor Jared Nicholson.
“All of you being up here represents years and years of sacrifice, dedication, learning, commitment, hardship, and just giving back to the city you love, the city you care about. I’m grateful for your sacrifice, and I’m also grateful for the sacrifice of your families,” Nicholson said.
Sullivan was appointed to former Lynn Fire Chief Stephen Archer’s position Jan. 5. He tested for the role a year ago, and had completed the Executive Fire Officer Program, a highly competitive four-year national training course for high-ranking firefighters.
In an interview with The Item earlier this year, Sullivan said that he planned to expand mental health services within the department to help firefighters identify and treat any forms of mental illness brought on by the job.
“Some of the things that we see, most people don’t like to see. It not only affects us, but it affects our families as well. So if we take care of our people, it will not only help the community, but help the family as a whole,” Sullivan said in an interview Jan. 4.
In a brief speech following Nicholson’s remarks, Sullivan said that his first priority as Fire Chief was to keep firefighters safe physically and mentally.
“My overarching goal is to keep you (Lynn firefighters) safe,” Sullivan said. “Watch over each other’s mental health, and wear your seatbelts.”
