BRIDGEWATER — Town Manager Michael Dutton is pleased to announce that Deputy Fire Chief Michael P. MacDermott, who has served as the acting chief of the department since October 2020, has been appointed to serve as the town’s new fire chief.
With more than three decades of experience with the Bridgewater Fire Department, Chief MacDermott was appointed as chief on Tuesday, April 27.
While serving as acting fire chief, Chief MacDermott has developed a restructuring plan that helps the department meet the 21st century needs of the department, including plans for a dedicated safety inspector. He has also sought approval for critically needed capital funding and has been heavily involved in planning for new fire station facilities.
“I am very pleased to announce this appointment and we look forward to having Chief MacDermott lead the Bridgewater Fire Department,” Town Manager Dutton said. “His many years of experience in fire service and department leadership roles will continue to be an asset to the department and town.”
Chief MacDermott began his career with the Bridgewater Fire Department as a firefighter/EMT in 1988. He was promoted to lieutenant in 2008, captain in 2017 and deputy fire chief in 2019.
Chief MacDermott has served as the senior command officer to former Chief Thomas Levy, supervised shift officers and support staff, managed all fire prevention activities and inspections and served as the department’s lead fire investigator.
He has been an active participant in many civic and charitable organizations for 34 years and has lent his firefighting experience to many causes.
“I would like to thank Town Manager Dutton and his staff, including Kimberly Williams, Tony Sulmonte, Laurie Guerrini and Katie Desrosiers for their support, guidance and planning for the future of our community,” Chief MacDermott said. “To the men and women of the Bridgewater Fire Department, thank you for your dedication and unwavering service in the most challenging of times. I commend each and every one of you for your service to the town and the department.”
“I would like to congratulate Chief MacDermott on his permanent appointment as our new fire chief and thank him for his willingness to assume this position,” Town Manager Dutton said. “Chief MacDermott is a very knowledgeable and dedicated public servant and I am confident he will continue to serve the department and community well.”
Chief MacDermott will begin his duties immediately. Plans for a swearing in ceremony will be announced at a later date.
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