Fire Chief Michael Sullivan

By MARK SARDELLA

WAKEFIELD — In recognition of the anniversary of his appointment to the Wakefield Fire Department in August of 1984, the Town Council last week honored Fire Chief Michael Sullivan for his 40 years of service to the department.

Robert Vincent, the Town Council’s liaison to the Fire Department read a statement on behalf of the board.

“It is indeed my honor and privilege to speak on behalf of the Town Council as we publicly recognize and thank Fire Chief Michael Sullivan for his 40 years of exceptionally meritorious service to our community,” Vincent said.

“Chief Sullivan comes from a long line of Sullivans who have served with distinction on the Wakefield Fire Department for many decades,” Vincent continued. “I note that he took the oath of office as a Wakefield Firefighter on Aug. 9, 1984, 10 years after his father, Lt. Robert Sullivan, died in the line of duty on March 11, 1974. Chief Sullivan was promoted to Lieutenant in September of 1994, to Captain in October of 1999, to Provisional Chief in August of 2008 and to Chief of the Fire Department on Sept. 1, 2009.”

Vincent noted that Sullivan las led the Wakefield Fire Department for 16 of his 40 years of service.

Sullivan has been instrumental in ensuring that the Wakefield Fire Department fulfills its mission of providing high quality fire and emergency rescue service to the town, Vincent said, as well as offering an excellent fire prevention program.

“The Wakefield Town Council congratulates you and acknowledges that your dedication, trustworthiness and integrity have reflected great credit on yourself, the Wakefield Fire Department and our town,” Vincent concluded.

Town Councilor John Carney noted that he was on the Board of Selectmen that appointed Sullivan, and that his brother, Lt. Kevin Carney, served with Sullivan on the WFD.

Councilor Edward Dombroski also congratulated Sullivan.

“You make us all proud with your leadership, your dedication, your commitment, your bravery and your service,” Dombroski said. “The dedication and service that you have provide to our community is invaluable.”

Councilor Jonathan Chines and Mehreen Butt also commended Sullivan for his legacy and his service.

Sullivan called the honor “extremely humbling,” adding that he was very proud to be a member of the department.

“Thank you very much for your kind words,” Sullivan said. “I appreciate it more that I can express it.”

Members of the chief’s family and the Fire Department were on hand as Sullivan was recognized.

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In other business last week, the Town Council:

  • Approved a liquor license for “Life, Love, Cheese,” a store that is expected to open later this year at 184 Water Street. Owner Kim Sheridan will sell artisan cheese and specialty foods. Alcohol will not be served on the premises, but only to take out.
  • Appointed five members of the public to the Housing Production Plan Steering Committee: Alex Guarino, Samuel Hockenbury. Karen McMaster, John Saeger and Donald Valerio.
  • Authorized Town Administrator Stephen P. Maio to re-fund certain bonds at a lower rate, a move that he said could save the town as much as $850,000 over the term of the bonds.
  • Accepted a donation of $24,000 from various donors to the Lucius Beebe Memorial Library and a donation of $150 to the Council on Aging.