Boynton Endorses Conley for Fire Chief

Letter to the Editor submitted by Amherst Fire Chief Mark R. Boynton:

April 29, 2014

I am writing to you to publicly endorse Deputy Fire Chief Matthew Conley as the next Fire Chief in Amherst. Four years ago, I did not know Matthew, as I was considering the position of Fire Chief here in Amherst I met with several Chief Officers in the area with whom I am friends. I was pleased to find out Deputy Chief Conley was someone respected by neighboring communities, considered very professional, competent and knowledgeable with twenty years of experience.

Over the past four years, I have had the honor and privilege to work with Deputy Chief Conley and have repeatedly told constituents “that I could not have asked for, nor could I have found a better Deputy Chief to work with”. I contribute a large part of the department’s success prior to and during the last four years to Deputy Chief Conley. Having served the town for over twenty years in every rank except Chief, I don't know another person more deserving, qualified or that cares about the welfare of this department more than Deputy Chief Conley. He has poured his heart and soul into this this department and the Town of Amherst. 

Deputy Chief Conley possesses the knowledge, skills, leadership ability, qualifications and command presents needed to be the next Fire Chief for Amherst. Matt has proven this time and time again. When I arrived here in June of 2010 Deputy Chief Conley was the glue holding this fractured department together. Chief Richard Todd had retired and five senior members including three officers had resigned do to turmoil. 

Prior to my arrival Matthew through his leadership and dedication had rallied the remaining members, recruited new members, trained new drivers, took over the workload of the fire chief, and started a promotional process to fill vacant officer positions. His actions, long hours and leadership keep the department running efficiently and effectively during an extremely difficult time. As a result of his actions and dedication, I awarded Deputy Chief Conley with a Chief’s Appreciation Award in 2010. Deputy Chief Conley received this award during our annual banquet with a standing ovation from the past and current members.
 
On many occasions over the past four years and likely during previous years Matthew has stepped up to Acting Fire Chief and Acting EMS Director. Most noteworthy were his actions as Acting Fire Chief during several natural disasters. Traditionally, the emergency management director has been the Fire Chief. This means every natural disaster we have, ice storm of 2008, Hurricane Sandy, Hurricane Irene Snowtober of 2011 and the Mother's Day flood of 2008, Deputy Chief Conley has taken over as Acting Fire Chief. I can attest that during my time here, I have never had to worry about the fire department; his performance has been stellar. 

On a number of occasions Deputy Chief Conley has been appointed the acting EMS director and run the EMS department flawlessly during frequent and often lengthy absences of Director Gleason. As a veteran EMT, he possesses the knowledge and ability to not only run the EMS department but to continue working with town officials to merge the two departments. 

Critics, all of whom are former members of the department that left under unfavorable terms, predictably will tell you Matthew lacks the skills and education to be Fire Chief. If you asked current and honorary members, they will tell you Matt is criticized because he, at the rank of Captain, had the courage and integrity to speak up on behalf of his personnel, which lead to the demise of these critics. 

During my time here all the officers including Matthew have received unprecedented leadership training, mentoring and coaching which has led to the successes we currently enjoy. Matthew has played a key role in this success. Despite routinely working in excess of 40 hours a week Matthew has taken the initiative to attend Supervisor Academy, Leadership Conference, a year-long Fire Chief Leadership in Risk Management Forum, Arson Investigation Programs and is currently enrolled in a degree program. 

As a strong believer in succession planning and leadership building I can tell you Deputy Chief Conley has knowledge of every aspect of the fire department’s operation. He is aware of everything that goes on and is in the best position to take over as Fire Chief without hesitation or a learning curve. 

I ask the Amherst Board of Selectmen to take into consideration the turmoil and uncertainty Amherst Fire Department has endured over the past ten years. The next Chief will be the fourth Chief to serve the department in ten years. Deputy Chief Conley having nine years full time has held this department together each time. He has been the one constant and the voice of reason that has kept the members together and moving forward. This department needs stability to sustain its current state of record membership and high morale. Going outside the department for a Chief it not only unnecessary but will create uncertainty that is likely to be detrimental to the department. I strongly encourage you to forgo the recruitment and hiring process, as you have historically done with the last three Police Chiefs, promote from within and appoint Deputy Chief Matthew Conley to the position of Amherst Fire Chief.

Respectfully submitted, 
Mark R Boynton