Fire Chief James McDonald, far left, and Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy at a swearing-in ceremony for Capt. Timothy Leighton, Lt. David Hathaway and District Chief Michael McBride with Deputy Fire Chief William Murray.
BY THOR JOURGENSEN
LYNN — A veteran paramedic, a former police officer and a firefighter cited for heroism are the Fire Department’s newest officers promoted on Feb. 16 by Mayor Judith Flanagan Kennedy, following District Chief Jack Barry’s retirement.
Kennedy, in a City Hall ceremony, swore in new District Chief Michael McBride, Capt. Timothy Leighton and Lt. David Hathaway in the wake of Barry’s Jan. 24 retirement.
“Jack’s retirement created a ripple down every rank in the department. He was probably one of the best district chiefs I worked for and with. It’s almost an experience you will never regain,” said Fire Chief James McDonald.
McBride brings extensive emergency medical service experience to the district chief’s job. The son of retired District Chief Richard McBride, he has risen quickly through department ranks, said McDonald.
Leighton worked as a Lynn police officer for 12 years, before taking the firefighters examination and joining the department 10 years ago. McDonald said it is relatively rare for former police officers to switch to firefighting.
“It usually goes the other way around,” he said.
McDonald said Leighton’s police background is valuable to firefighting because fire scenes are sometimes crime scenes and police officers gain experience working with “people from all walks of life.”
Hathaway was awarded the state Fire Marshal’s Medal of Valor in 2012 for working with fellow Lynn and Saugus police officers and firefighters in December 2011 to rescue a man from a car submerged in the Saugus River. Attempts to save the life of a woman passenger were unsuccessful.
Assigned to Engine 3 throughout his career, Hathaway is a fast learner, said McDonald.
“He’s very intelligent and personable,” McDonald said.
Thor Jourgensen can be reached at [email protected].