MANCHESTER, NH – On March 20 Manchester Fire Department welcomed four new recruits – Michael Battey, Andrew Delault, Ed Sullivan and Sam Twarjan.
There were also several promotions:
Richard McGahey was promoted from Captain to District Chief; Andre Parent and Jon Starr were promoted from lieutenants to captains; Steve Pearson, Josh Guay and Jason Cote were promoted from firefighters to lieutenants.
Although “a lot of experience” goes with every retirement, Burkush says the new recruits are well qualified.
Chief James Burkush said the department’s newest recruits come with college education and the kind of training needed in Manchester, where firefighters have become the “front line of defense for the city” in light of the increased drug overdoses and acts of violence.
The new additions to the fire department retains the ranks at the maximum of 190, but Burkush said that number is always subject to change, depending on how many retirements are announced.
