Community Corner
Salem Fire Chief Takes Oath Of Office
Salem's new Fire chief Larry Best was among several Fire Department members who took oaths of office during the annual swearing-in ceremony.
SALEM, NH — For Salem's new Fire chief Larry Best, service and family is what it's all about at the Salem Fire Department, he told community members during the annual Swearing In and Pinning Ceremony this month. Best was among several Fire Department members who took their oaths of office after being hired or promoted in the past year.
"I'm proud to be a fire service member and a fire chief for this top-notch fire department in this great community," said Best, who previously was the assistant fire chief of Salem. Having joined the Salem Fire Department in December 2003, he was promoted to chief in August 2018.
Best said his desire to be a firefighter had been cemented since childhood by watching his father, a longtime firefighter. During the swearing-in ceremony April 12, he thanked the community, his fellow firefighters, his mentors, and especially his wife and two daughters for their support in his career.
"It's humbling that they never question when there's a phone call to take, or attend a Fire Department event or a meeting, or respond to a late-night emergency call," said Best.
He said that going forward, the Salem Fire Department will be overcoming challenges as it adapts to growth.
"It's an exciting time for all of us," he said.
Also sworn in during the ceremony was the new assistant fire chief, Jeff Emanuelson, and the new Salem EMS Director Douglas Devine. Two newly hired Salem firefighters Joshua Tapley and John Stevens also took oaths.
"It's humbling that they never question when there's a phone call to take, or attend a Fire Department event or a meeting, or respond to a late-night emergency call," said Best.
He said that going forward, the Salem Fire Department will be overcoming challenges as it adapts to growth.
"It's an exciting time for all of us," he said.
Also sworn in during the ceremony was the new assistant fire chief, Jeff Emanuelson, and the new Salem EMS Director Douglas Devine. Two newly hired Salem firefighters Joshua Tapley and John Stevens also took oaths.
Addressing the new Salem firefighters, Best encouraged them to remember the enthusiasm they were feeling during the ceremony.
"There will be some tough days in your career," saying that being a firefighter means dealing with things "that very few people will have to endure."
"Look back on this day, remember why you embarked on this career," he advised them, reminding them to live balanced lives and to support each other during rough times.
"There will be some tough days in your career," saying that being a firefighter means dealing with things "that very few people will have to endure."
"Look back on this day, remember why you embarked on this career," he advised them, reminding them to live balanced lives and to support each other during rough times.
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