NORTON — Chief Shawn Simmons is pleased to announce that the Norton Fire Department hosted its first swearing-in ceremony since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic last night.
On Tuesday, Oct. 25, Norton Fire hosted its swearing-in ceremony at the Norton Middle School. As part of the ceremony, an invocation was given by the fire department’s chaplain, Rev. Bernard Hinkley.
Opening remarks were given by Chief Simmons before firefighters were sworn into their positions by Norton Town Clerk Lucia Longhurst.
Several members of the department were sworn into leadership positions. Jason Robbins and Michael Wilson were both sworn into the position of deputy chief. Eric Tynan, Robert Wood and Christopher Ferreira were sworn in as captains. Robert Crowley, Brian Hurd, Joshua Jorge and John Patten were sworn in as lieutenants.
Additionally, numerous firefighters were officially sworn in and pinned as firefighters including: Christopher Jones, Zachary Smith, Victoria Sigman, Kelsey Bisio, Matthew Cornell, Brandon Becker, Christopher Fisher, Meghann Fitzgerald, Dakota Cullen, Michael Foley, Conner Timulty, Richard Whitney, Nathan Lowney, Christopher Haskins and Eric Arruda.
“Swearing-in ceremonies are long-standing traditions for fire departments that provide us the opportunity to celebrate each member’s dedication to serving their community, and we are pleased to once again be hosting these events,” Chief Simmons said. “On behalf of the department, I would like to officially welcome these men and women into their new positions.”
After each member was sworn into their roles, Rev. Hinkley then gave a benediction drawing the ceremony to a close.
Also in attendance to support their fellow brothers and sisters were retired members of the department including Chief Richard Gomes, Chief Paul Schleicher, Deputy Chief Benton Keene and Deputy Chief David Myles.
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