McPherson, Amerault, Brooks, Shafner Sworn Into New Ranks

Three longtime Danvers firefighters and a newer recruit (by comparison) have all moved up the ranks in recent months and were officially sworn into office last week in a ceremony held at the senior center.

Town Manager Wayne Marquis and Fire Chief Kevin Farrell both shared brief remarks in which they praised all four men for their hard work and excellence on the job. Town Clerk Joseph Collins did the honors and officially swore them into office.

"It takes time and it takes commitment, and these gentlemen have certainly shown they've put in the time and demonstrated commitment," said Marquis, adding his praise for family members who have tirelessly leant their support over the years.

Farrell said he's worked with all four men in some capacity during his 25 years on the Fire Department and hopes to move forward with new and fresh ideas both for the department and into town affairs. He noted he actually has 28 years with the town having spent three years as a dispatcher before his appointment as a firefighter.

"When I was a dispatcher, Jim and Jim were getting appointed to the Fire Department...and I couldn't wait for my position, my opportunity," Farrell said, smiling. He was referring to new Deputy Chief James McPherson and Capt. James Brooks, who have spent 29 and 25 years as Danvers firefighters, respectively.

Family, friends, fellow firefighters, some retirees and other town officials were on hand for the ceremony June 20.

James Shafner was up first and sworn in as a new Lieutenant on the Danvers Fire Department. He was praised by Farrell as one of the best and brightest officers under Farrell's command and likely a candidate for Fire Chief one day.

Shafner was first appointed to the Fire Department seven years ago and was promoted on March 3. He is now one of eight lieutenants on the department.

Shafner lives in Beverly with his wife Lauren.

New captains James Brooks and Robert Amerault were sworn in next. Both men have served more than 20 years on the department and are now two of five captains for Danvers.

Brooks, who has been the Fire Prevention Officer for six years, is an expert in his area and other departments regularly consult with him, said Farrell, also noting he much of the department's permitting procees into the computer age.

Brooks also represents Danvers as a member of a regional fire prevention team under the Essex County Fire Chiefs Association.

Brooks first joined the Fire Department in Danvers in 1988 and was promoted to Lieutenant in 1997. He was promoted to Captain on March 3.

He lives in North Reading with his fiancee Laurie.

Amerault also received high praise from Farrell who said he is a "true leader" and he and Shafner may be competing in the future for that chief's job. Amerault was first appointed in 1992 after coming to Danvers from the Medford Fire Department and was promoted to Lieutenant in 2008.

He was likewise promoted to Captain on March 3 and lives in Reading with his wife Diane and two children: Robert and Amanda.

And last, but not certainly not least, Deputy Chief James McPherson was formally sworn in to his new rank.

McPherson first joined the department in 1984. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 1990 and then Captain in 1997. He also served as Acting Chief for three months last year in Farrell's absence.

Farrell especially thanked McPherson for his leadership during that time while he was on leave and said he did an outstanding job. "You certainly proved you have the ability, desire and professionalism," he said. 

McPherson was then promoted to Deputy Chief this past December. Danvers has just one Deputy Chief. 

McPherson lives in town with his wife Theresa and their children.

Farrell said there is now one opening for a Lieutenant and the process for filling that position is already underway and should be wrapped up within the next couple months.

He said he's also in the process of hiring two more firefighters, which will bring his ranks to 49 again, but still two short from budget cuts in 2010.