BRIDGEWATER — Town Manager Michael Dutton is pleased to report that the Town has named Deputy Fire Chief Michael P. MacDermott as its Acting Fire Chief.
A member of the Bridgewater Fire Department for the last three decades, Acting Chief MacDermott will provide steady leadership and continuity to the department. He will began his duties today, Friday, Oct. 9.
Acting Chief MacDermott has served as the senior command officer to outgoing Chief Thomas Levy and has held the rank of Deputy Chief since 2017. He has a wealth of experience that will serve the department and the citizens of Bridgewater well. His knowledge and affability will be a strong asset as the BFD continues to provide excellent service and meet community needs.
“Acting Chief MacDermott is a pragmatic leader with an honest and straightforward demeanor,” Town Manager Dutton said. “I know he will exemplify the spirit of teamwork we have created over the past few years. I look forward to working with Acting Chief MacDermott and the entire department on creative and innovative ways to make modern firefighting a truly professional calling.”
Public service is a way of life for Acting Chief MacDermott. He has served the department with distinction for decades and has a unique understanding of its employees and the community. He has been an active participant in many civic and charitable organizations for 34 years and has lent his firefighting experience to many causes.
Among the many civic and volunteer activities he has been a part of include Bridgewater Youth Football, Meals on Wheels and the SAFE (Student Awareness of Fire Education) program. He is a member of the Fire Prevention Association of Massachusetts and the International Association of Arson Investigators.
“Acting Chief MacDermott is looking forward to taking on this new role and the Town is grateful for his willingness to serve in this capacity. We are confident that he is committed to continuing the exceptional work of retiring Chief Thomas Levy,” Town Manager Dutton said. “Please join me in thanking and congratulating our new Acting Fire Chief Michael P. MacDermott.”
The Town will begin its efforts to fill the permanent vacancy over the next several months. At this time, no definitive timeline for a permanent appointment has been established.
###
