I have announced the selection of the new Fire Chief in Methuen, and it is Deputy Chief Steve Buote. The press release is below.

MANZI TO NAME STEVEN R. BUOTE AS METHUEN’S NEXT FIRE CHEIF
New Chief is a 29- year veteran of the Methuen Fire Department

Mayor William M. Manzi announced today that he has selected Deputy Fire Chief Steven R. Buote as the city’s next Fire Chief. Buote will replace Chief Clifford Gallant who will retire at the end of the month. Buote is a 29-year veteran of the Methuen Fire Department. Through the years, he has held the positions of firefighter, lieutenant and deputy chief. He has also served as Acting Fire Chief on many occasions. Buote holds a Associates Degree in Fire Science from North Shore Community College and has attended many advanced training courses in recent years.

Steven Buote comes from a family of firefighters. His father served on the Methuen Fire Department for 32 years. His brother, Michael Buote, is currently a Captain in the Methuen department, and his grandfather lost his life in 1955 while serving in the Lawrence Fire Department. In addition to his duties on the Fire Department, Mr. Buote also serves as Methuen’s Emergency Management Coordinator.

“I believe Steven Buote will make an excellent Fire Chief,” said Mayor Manzi. “He has the education and experience needed to perform at the highest level. He also has a vast knowledge of the city and the Methuen Fire Department.” Manzi also thanked the three other candidates who applied for the job. “I was very impressed with the pool of candidates that I had to select from. This was not an easy decision.”

Buote will be appointed as Interim Chief until his full appointment is confirmed by the City Council on July 13th. He looks forward to serving as Chief and is excited to get started.