By MARK SARDELLA
WAKEFIELD — With Fire Chief Michael Sullivan out on extended leave, Town Administrator Denise Casey made several temporary Civil Service appointments this week that will allow the Fire Department to continue functioning at maximum efficiency. On Wednesday, the Town Council confirmed Casey’s appointments, which avoids a waiting period and allows the appointments to take affect immediately.
The temporary appointments elevate Thomas Purcell from his current position as Deputy Fire Chief to Fire Chief. Captain John Walsh was appointed to Deputy Fire Chief. Lt. Michael Long was promoted to Fire Captain, and Firefighter Nolan Curran was appointed to Fire Lieutenant.
Purcell thanked the board and explained that it was important to have every position filled for reasons of safety as well as command function, accountability and decision making. He noted that the department is very busy, not just with emergencies but with day-to-day operations.
Town Councilor John Carney supported the appointments but asked why the board needed to vote, since the Town Administrator has the authority to take the action.
Casey explained that under Civil Service rules, there is a 15-day waiting period during which the Town Council could disapprove the appointments. Having the Town Council effectively ratify the appointments eliminates that waiting period and allows to appointments the take effect immediately.
Councilor John Crisley asked if there was a Town Charter provision addressing how long the temporary appointments are effective.
Purcell said that the temporary appointments fill a void until the individual on leave returns to service. In that event, everyone would revert back to their prior rank. If the individual on leave does not return, permanent appointments can be made.
Purcell noted that with the temporary appointments, the department will now need another firefighter. The department is already short five firefighters, he said, although several candidates are slated to enter the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.
The Town Council vote to ratify the appointments was 7-0.