PHILLIPSTON — The Phillipston Fire Department appointed two new lieutenants from its ranks this week, while one longtime firefighter announced his resignation.
“The goal is to get some of these firefighters who have been here for 10 years or so now into leadership roles,” said Fire Chief Richard Stevens. “They all have the skills to do the job, but once you’re in the field it’s difficult giving instructions … and knowing what to do.”
The Select Board approved the appointment of William Clayton and David Fields to the lieutenant ranks, and accepted the resignation of John Seamon Sr. at Monday night’s meeting.
“I’m ecstatic,” Clayton said. “I’ve worked very long and hard for this position for years.”
The new lieutenants are eager to take on the new leadership roles, share their knowledge with new recruits and continue to rise through the ranks of the department. The department has welcomed four new members within the last few months, Clayton said.
“Everybody grows together,” Fields said. “You know your partner’s next move if you work with them for years and years.”
Clayton has 13 years experience on the department while Fields has eight years experience, and both appointees have worked as firefighters and EMTs. Fields will graduate from the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy in Stow on Nov. 1 with Firefighter I and II certifications after a 13-week intensive course preparing him for the lieutenant position.
Seamon, a farm owner and firefighter of nearly 20 years, had formerly served as a department captain, left the role years ago, and recently returned to help out as a driver and firefighter, according to Stevens.
“This time, he’s gonna stay in retirement,” Stevens said.
Before appointing Clayton and Fields, Stevens said the department had just one lieutenant, while they usually operate with three. Within the last two years, he said, the department lost two lieutenants.
All lieutenants work on a volunteer, on-call basis, with a modest increase in pay from a regular firefighter. Firefighters and EMTs make $15.95 per hour while lieutenants make $16.44.
Stevens said the department is always looking for qualified firefighters and EMTs, especially as more longtime members near retirement age. Clayton offered new firefighters a piece of advice from his time in the field.
“Basically, be true to yourself,” he said. “Be honest about what you’re capable of doing, and ask for help when you need it.”
Clayton continued, “We’re going in wearing one hundred pounds of equipment running into a structure fire. If you can’t physically do it, you’re got to say something.”
Sarah Robertson can be reached at srobertson.media36@gmail.com.