The board interviewed several candidates for the interim Fire Chief role, each bringing distinct perspectives and experiences to the table. A notable candidate, Jeffrey Hai, who has been with the Belchertown Fire Department for 20 years, shared his approach to leadership and administrative challenges. Hai expressed a strong willingness to lead by example, stating, “I like to lead from the front… I will go out wash trucks with the crew,” while acknowledging his lack of experience with higher-level administrative duties like budgeting. He showed interest in the possibility of a full-time position if the interim role proved successful, emphasizing the importance of involving department members in decision-making processes.

Despite his youth, Massie was optimistic about learning the intricacies of fire department administration.

One candidate emphasized compassion as a leadership strength, despite the challenges it poses in asserting authority. He proposed collaborating with current department leadership to streamline administrative processes. Another candidate, with experience as a fire chief from 2006 to 2016, brought extensive budget management expertise, having overseen a $1.2 million budget. He stressed the importance of financial stability and auditing to address any inconsistencies and mentioned successful strategies for enhancing service revenue through updated ambulance rates.

Additionally, the board engaged with a candidate who expressed frustration with the Civil Service process, citing past experiences where high scores did not lead to promotion. This candidate, also a Hazmat technician and legislative aide, underscored the value of learning from team members and highlighted their role in developing the Western Mass Critical Incident Stress Management team. They emphasized the importance of fostering a positive team environment through simple acts like shared meals and informal check-ins.

The discussions reflected varied viewpoints on managing departmental resources, financial prudence, and maintaining high morale among the fire department team.

The board’s deliberations extended beyond individual qualifications, touching on broader themes of financial management and team dynamics. The meeting concluded with an agreement to further discuss the qualifications of the candidates in a regular session.