Friday, Feb. 15, 2019
For Immediate Release
Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 617-993-0003
Email: [email protected]
Nahant Fire Chief Announces Likely Departure Later This Year
NAHANT — Town Administrator Antonio Barletta and Fire Chief Michael Feinberg announce that Chief Feinberg will likely be departing his position this summer, due to the Town of Nahant’s budget constraints.
Chief Feinberg was informed by Town Administrator Barletta that the town may be forced to eliminate the position of full-time fire chief as a result of its budget limitations, which will be the subject of a proposed override of Proposition 2 1/2 at some point in 2019. His contract expires on June 30.
“It has been an honor to serve the citizens of Nahant as their fire chief over the last three years,” Chief Feinberg said. “I’m very proud of our accomplishments and the progress we’ve made in making sure our firefighters are well-trained professionals who are prepared to respond to any kind of emergency.”
In his role, Chief Feinberg has aggressively pursued various training opportunities, equipment upgrades and other programs that have improved safety for firefighters and enhanced service for residents.
Since assuming his position in 2016, Chief Feinberg has overseen the replacement of equipment and apparatus that had exceeded their recommended lifespans, including firefighters’ personal protective equipment and water rescue equipment. He also developed an annual inspection and maintenance program for the department’s existing apparatus, and helped the department obtain a new ambulance and a new fire engine.
In addition, all full-time Nahant firefighters have obtained rescue swimmer certification, and Chief Feinberg has developed partnerships with the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy and Environmental Police, resulting in a scheduled live fire training, pump operation training and more.
Chief Feinberg joined the Nahant Fire Department after serving as a captain and director of emergency medical services with the Lynnfield Fire Department. He began his fire service career as a call firefighter in 1999 and began his full-time career in 2003 with the Amesbury Fire Department.
“I want to thank Chief Feinberg for his tremendous contributions to the department and the town as a whole during his tenure as our fire chief,” Town Administrator Barletta said. “His work has ultimately made Nahant a safer and better place to live, and his work will no doubt leave a lasting impact on our community.”
“I would like to take this opportunity to formally thank him for his work and dedication as Chief of the Nahant Fire Department. The Town is facing financial hurdles in the near future and we need to prepare for the potential need to restructure our fire department.”
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