Harrison Promoted to Deputy Fire Chief

In naming Fire Captain Eric Harrison as Deputy Fire Chief Friday, Mayor Edward A. Bettencourt, Jr., said he inherited an excellent fire department.

"It has given me a lot of peace of mind these last five months knowing that I have a great fire department," Bettencourt told a crowd of about 50 people who showed for Harrison's swearing in as deputy chief.

Harrison is a veteran of the Peabody Fire Department. He was named a full-time permanent firefighter in 1989 and promoted to lieutenant in 1997. In 1999 he was granted a provisional appointment to captain and then permanently promoted to that rank in 2001.

Harrison fills a vacancy left by Deputy Chief and longtime firefighter Paul Lynch, who recently retired.

Fire Chief Steven E. Pasdon called Harrison, "my friend." The chief said Harrison has worked hard as a firefighter and earned this appointment.

“Captain Harrison has demonstrated his commitment to public service over the course of four decades as a Peabody firefighter,” Bettencourt said. “His promotion to Deputy Chief reflects that commitment and underscores his qualifications for this new role.”

Bettencourt also used the promotion ceremony, which he described as one of his favorite days, to pledge his continued support in the budget process for the fire department. He said he has proposed increases in the budget for more firefighters and equipment.

"The fire department knows they have a strong advocate in the corner office," Bettencourt said.

Also in attendance was state Rep. John Keenan, D-Salem, and several retired fire chiefs from Peabody and other North Shore cities.