Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera Announces Selection for New Fire Chief

chief-moriartyFollowing a five-month nationwide, public, search process conducted by a team of nine community members, Mayor Daniel Rivera today announced his selection for Chief of the Lawrence Fire Department, and tomorrow will submit the candidacy of Haverhill Senior Deputy Fire Chief and United States Air Force Veteran Brian Moriarty to the Lawrence City Council for review and confirmation.  

Deputy Fire Chief Moriarty came out on top of a highly competitive pool of applicants for the position. Deputy Fire Chief Moriarty brings to the Lawrence Fire Department over thirty years of experience in fire service and twenty-seven years as a paramedic. “Brian Moriarty is a proven leader and will be a tremendous asset to the Lawrence Fire Department, if confirmed,” said Mayor Dan Rivera. “He is well- respected in the fire service community and I am confident that the City Council will see his experience has prepared him to successfully lead our department. I am excited to be able to bring Deputy Fire Chief Moriarty’s energy and leadership to the hardworking men and women of the Lawrence Fire Department”

Deputy Fire Chief Moriarty began his firefighting career in 1980 as a crash and structural firefighter for the United States Air Force. Upon retirement from the Air Force, Brian joined the Haverhill Fire Department as a firefighter in 1987. Rising through the ranks, Deputy Fire Chief Moriarty was promoted to Lieutenant in 1993, Captain in 1998, Deputy Fire Chief of Fire Prevention is 2003, and Senior Deputy Fire Chief in 2010, a position that he holds today. “Brian Moriarty is a career firefighter who has risen through the ranks and perfected his skills over the years,” said Retired Lawrence Fire Chief and Fire Chief Search Committee member Richard Shafer. “I have no doubt that Brian is the candidate Lawrence needs; his experience and educations speaks for itself.”  

Deputy Fire Chief Moriarty’s knowledge of Lawrence’s streets, people and the firefighting challenges it faces; which he gathered through his long history providing mutual aid from Haverhill, and as a paramedic in Lawrence; will insure a smooth transition into the position. “What drew me to Brian was his combined knowledge of emergency response and his familiarity with the Lawrence community,” said Lawrence resident, business owner and Fire Chief Search Committee member Cesar Camargo-Sanchez. “His work as a paramedic has led to an established relationship with both the Fire Department and residents of Lawrence. He is an outstanding selection for our new Fire Chief.”

North Andover Fire Chief Andrew Melnikas worked with Moriarty while performing ambulatory duties, as well as on mutual aid fire scenes.  Melnikas offered, “Mr. Moriarty is the epitome of a team player. He is willing to listen to opposing views and discuss the merits of the same, realizing that, in the end, we are all working towards the same goal.”

William Moynihan, retired Chief of Probation at the Haverhill District Court and Chair of the Board of Trustees for Northern Essex Community College, offered a stellar recommendation on behalf of Moriarty: “He has immense dedication to his profession as a firefighter. He goes the extra mile to be the very best he can be in his beloved field of fire science, and goes above and beyond in his training as a paramedic, showing great compassion for the sick, injured and anyone in need of assistance.”

Deputy Fire Chief Brian Moriarty has received numerous awards throughout his career including Firefighter of the Year in 1995, Citation of Valor in 2003 and Paramedic of the Year in 2013. In addition to his professional experience, Deputy Fire Chief Brian Moriarty holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Rivier College, an Executive Fire Officer Certificate in Fire Service Management from the National Fire Academy, an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from the Community College of the Air Force, and a Paramedic License from Northeastern University.  

Mayor Rivera’s Fire Chief Search Committee has been meeting since July 2014. Fifteen individuals submitted applications for the Fire Chief position. “Our Fire Chief Search Committee worked diligently to identify the most qualified and well- prepared candidates for my review, I am both proud of the work they did and the quality of the applicant pool.” said Mayor Rivera.

Deputy Fire Chief Moriarty’s candidacy will be introduced to the Lawrence City Council for approval.

Mayor Rivera has also set up meetings with the City’s Neighborhood Association presidents, and with the business community this week so people in the community can meet and greet our candidate.