Malden Fire Dept. promotes four officers, swears in seven new firefighters

Mayor Christenson, Chief Froio, Commissioner Haskell preside over outdoor ceremony with families, friends in attendance

By Steve Freker

Close to 100 were on hand recently as the Malden Fire Department held a swearing-in ceremony for four newly promoted officers and seven new firefighters in a sunny, outdoor ceremony at the Malden City Hall penthouse patio. Family members and friends proudly looked on as Mayor Gary Christenson, first-year Fire Chief Steve Froio and Malden Fire Commissioner Emery Haskell presided over the ceremony. Also in attendance was Malden Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ligia Noriega-Murphy.

Mayor Christenson first praised the newly promoted officers, before welcoming aboard the city’s newest firefighters. “To our newly promoted officers, it is not just your new rank we acknowledge today,” Mayor Christenson said, “it is also your leadership and your commitment to your fellow officers, as well as to our community.”

At the swearing-in ceremony, Malden Fire Department Captain Richard Menard was promoted to Deputy Chief; Lieutenants Bradford Bianchi and Robert Hegarty were each promoted to Captain; and Firefighter Kerry Howe was appointed as Lieutenant.

Mayor Christenson also addressed our newest firefighters, welcoming them to the city of Malden and noting they are becoming part of a prestigious institution. “The Malden Fire Department, as you know, has a long history of courage, commitment and bravery,” the Mayor told the seven newest firefighters,” and I have no doubt you will add to it in your career.”

Malden’s newest firefighters are John-Charles Hanley, Nicholas DiLeo, Kyle Shaw, Sean Tirrell, Jayden Jean, Matthew Perry and Scott Shreenan.

Mayor Christenson noted that new firefighter Jayden Jean grew up in the mayor’s own Bell Rock neighborhood in and around Belmont Street. “I am dating myself, but I remember Jayden Jean growing up right around my neighborhood, going back decades to when I served on the School Committee, and now he is here with us today, officially becoming a firefighter,” Mayor Christenson said. “It shows a lot what commitment and dedication means.”

Commissioner Haskell invited family members to officially pin the promoted officers and new members while City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio took the oaths and swore them in.

The promotions and new hires are the result of retirements.

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