ACTON — Chief Anita Arnum proudly shares that several members of the Acton Fire Department were sworn in and promoted during a ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13.
Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic Selena Gonzales, Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic Jonathan Chan and Firefighter/EMT Benjamin Kendrick were each formally sworn in to the Acton Fire Department by Town Clerk Leo Mercado.
Firefighter/EMTs Brent Carter and Joshua DeFelice were each promoted to Lieutenant.
Carter is a 24-year veteran in the department. Over the duration of his career, Carter has been involved with community activities such as the Student Awareness of Fire Education (SAFE), open houses, Acton Fire’s 125th-anniversary celebration and the annual Santa Ride tradition. He has also developed several innovative trainings for the department that have allowed members to learn with an added element of fun.
DeFelice has worked with Acton Fire for 20 years. He recently received a Bachelor’s degree in Fire Science from Columbia Southern University. His prior experience in facilities and safety management and technical computer skills have greatly benefitted the department over the course of his career. He also currently manages the department’s ground ladder division, ensuring this equipment is maintained and tested to the required standards.
Lieutenants Michael Doherty and David Sukerman were promoted to Captain.
Doherty is a 17-year veteran of the department. Currently, he maintains the department’s vital communications equipment and has managed the Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus in the past. Doherty also serves as a training officer for the department, supporting new firefighters as they transition into their roles.
Sukerman is a 10-year veteran of the department. As a Paramedic, Sukerman serves on the department’s Advanced Life Support Committee and has provided valuable insight to the program. He also actively participates in dispatcher training, participating and assisting to ensure dispatch integrates smoothly with fire department operations. Sukerman recently received his Master’s of Public Administration from Anna Maria College.
During the ceremony, Chief Arnum provided advice to the newly promoted members.
“Remember, your first and most important job is to ensure our members make it home to their families at the end of the shift. We cannot provide services to the community if we are not able to perform our duties safely. Don’t be afraid to make decisions, just be able to justify them,” said Chief Arnum. “Train, train and then train some more. Know your job and let members know what you expect of them. Practice delegation, this is how future leaders are created. One of the many roles of a leader is to create more leaders. Give members tasks that they can complete, and challenge them to bring out the best of our members.”
Additional speakers at the ceremony included Town Manager John Mangiaratti and Deputy Chief Christopher Sammet. Captain James Bryne read the Firefighter’s prayer to conclude the ceremony.
Chief Arnum and the Acton Fire Department would like to thank Town Manager Mangiaratti, Town Clerk Leo Mercado, Select Board members, Deputy Sammet, the entirety of the Acton Fire Department and Office Manager AJ Pelkey for their assistance with the ceremony.
Firefighter/EMT-Paramedic Selena Gonzales being pinned by her husband and ten-month-old son during the department’s swearing in and promotion ceremony on Friday, Dec. 13. (Photo Courtesy Acton Fire Department). 
From left: Capt. David Sukerman, Capt. Michael Doherty, Lt. Joshua DeFelice, Lt. Brent Carter, were each promoted to their new roles on Dec. 13. (Photo Courtesy Acton Fire Department). 
Newly promoted Lt. Brent Carter (left) with retired Acton Firefighter William Klauer (center) and Klauer’s wife, Amber Klauer (right). (Photo Courtesy Acton Fire Department). 
Fire Chief Anita Arnum (right) pinning Firefighter/EMT Benjamin Kendrick (left). (Photo Courtesy Acton Fire Department).