Wayland Fire Chief Robert Loomer announced his plan to retire in early 2012. Since that time, the Town has conducted an extensive assessment and interview process with two outstanding members of the Wayland Fire Department. Deputy Chief Vincent Smith and Capt. David Houghton participated in a process that included three interview panels, a written exercise, and follow-up interviews with the Town Administrator. All panelists concurred with our internal assessment that both Vinny and Dave possessed the training and experience necessary to be fire chief.

The interview process began on Monday, November 7 with an assessment panel by two fire chiefs and an emergency room physician. Two additional panels were convened on November 21 and 28, each consisting of town officials and citizens including, among others, the Superintendent of Schools, Building Commissioner, Police Chief, HR Director, a member of Board of Selectmen, a member of Finance Committee, a member of Personnel Board, the emergency planning committee chair, and a town manager from a nearby town who recently hired a fire chief. The candidates also completed a written exercise describing their first 90 days on the job. Additionally, both Assistant Town Administrator John Senchyshyn and I met individually with both candidates on three occasions to discuss the challenges that the next chief will confront and their abilities to address those challenges.

I am pleased to announce the appointment of Vincent J. Smith as Fire Chief effective February 25. 2012. In accordance with Sec. 60.2.3(d)(2) of the Town Code, the appointment is subject to ratification by a majority vote of the Board of Selectmen at the meeting on December 12, 2011. Deputy Chief Smith is a Wayland resident. He has served as a member of the Fire Department since October 1978, rising through the ranks while completing numerous certifications including chief fire officer management training, fire inspector, and emergency medical technician. As Deputy Chief, has participated in all aspects of administration of the department while commanding one of the four work teams, and was instrumental in working with the Advanced Life Support Committee to further an initiative to assure paramedic service to Wayland residents. Vinny earned a bachelor of science degree in fire administration from Empire State College and a master of arts degree in public administration from Framingham State College.

I look forward to working with Chief Loomer and Chief-designate Smith to assure a smooth transition.

Fred Turkington
Town Administrator