Town Manager Says Farrell Has Been An 'Excellent Fire Chief'

Town Manager Wayne Marquis said he was aware of Kevin Farrell's marital difficulties and separation, as well as the restraining order his estranged wife had placed in 2010, before the town promoted him to the . 

Marquis said Farrell will receive paid administrative leave. Marquis said he conferred with Town Counsel and will be conducting an investigation to gather more information.

Marquis told Danvers Patch that Farrell had told him about the restraining order during the late summer of 2010, while he was Acting Fire Chief. 

"He recognized that he had some difficulties that he needed to work out," Marquis said. "We did help him and he did participate in an inpatient basis and an outpatient basis for a period of time."

When Farrell was promoted to the position of Fire Chief in 2011, Marquis said "there were no reservations from our professional staff that he would not be able to fulfill his job as chief."

Farrell, who has been a member of the department for 27 years, had no criminal record

Farrell will be held in Middleton Jail until Friday morning, when at Haverhill District Court. 

"Kevin has been a good employee, an excellent fire chief, and obviously has some serious issues that require his full attention at this point," Marquis said. 

Previous to this incident, Marquis said he does not recall another time in Danvers when a department manager was arrested. 

"We're certainly concerned for him and his family," Marquis said, noting that he was "pleased to hear no one was physically injured."