Crime & Safety
Danvers Tabs 31-Year Veteran As New Fire Chief
Brian Barry has been serving as acting chief since last month, following the retirement of Chief Robert Amerault.
DANVERS, MA — Brian Barry, a 31-year-veteran of the Danvers Fire Department, will take over as the new permanent chief later this month.
Town Manager Steve Bartha said that Barry, who has been the acting chief since the retirement of Robert Amerault last month, will assume the permanent role as of Aug. 26.
Barry was promoted to Deputy Chief and Emergency Management Director in2020.
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Bartha also appointed James Shafner as the town's new deputy chief. Shafner, a captain and the department's training officer, joined the Department 20 years ago.
"With their combined experience and proven leadership, Brian and Jamie are well-prepared to lead our department, and I look forward to watching them continue to build on the impressive foundation laid by Chiefs (Bob) Pyburn and Amerault," Bartha said. "Their commitment to excellence and safety aligns perfectly with our values, and I am confident that, under their guidance, the department will continue to provide outstanding service to the community."
Find out what's happening in Danversfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The town plans to host a swearing-in ceremony for Barry and Shafner at a time and date to be determined.
(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. X/Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
