Wilmington Welcomes Six New Firefighters

The Town of Wilmington was pleased to welcome six new firefighters to its ranks on Thursday, Oct. 17, at the Public Safety Building on Adelaide Street. 

Surrounded by Town Manager Jeffrey Hull, Fire Chief Edward Bradbury, members of the Fire Department and members of their families, the six were sworn in.

The new firefighters are Christopher Elliott of Wilmington, Paul Hedderson of Wilmington, Edward Sousa of Woburn, Gregory Murphy of Ayer, Matthew Berger of Hopedale, and Michael Jennette Jr. of Brighton.

Firefighter Christopher Elliott is a veteran serving in the firefighter detachment for the US Army Reserves. He has completed Firefighter I and II training, Haz Mat Operations training, and is a licensed EMT. Prior to his appointment as a Firefighter, Elliott served as a Wilmington Public Safety Dispatcher.

Firefighter Paul Hedderson is a veteran of the US Navy where he was engaged in ship and aircraft firefighting and Haz Mat work. He is a licensed EMT and a CPR instructor. His most recent work experience has been with a private ambulance service.

Firefighter Edward Sousa is a veteran of the US Marine Corps serving as a jet mechanic and firefighter. He is a licensed EMT. His most recent work experience has been with a private ambulance service.

Firefighter Gregory Murphy is a veteran having served in the US Army. He has an Associates Degree in Fire Science and has completed Firefighter I training. Murphy has worked for a private ambulance service as a licensed EMT and has served as a call member of the Ayer Fire Department.

Firefighter Matthew Berger is a veteran having served in the US Navy. He has served as a volunteer firefighter for the Myrtle Grove, Florida Fire Department. He has completed Firefighter I training. Berger is licensed EMT and Paramedic, and a CPR instructor. He has served as a call member of the Hopedale Fire Department, and as an EMT for the City of Boston's EMS.

Firefighter Michael Jennette Jr. is a veteran of the US Marine Corps. He is a licensed EMT with experience working for a private ambulance service. He served as a volunteer member of Amherst Fire Department, while earning his Bachelor's Degree University of Massachusetts.

Hull offered his congratulations and encouragement to the firefighters, saying "It is a tough but rewarding job ahead of you." 

The firefighters were sworn in by the Town Clerk Sharon George. Members of the Wilmington Fire Department were present to support and welcome the new firefighters. Following the ceremony family members were allowed to tour the fire station.

The positions became vacant over the past year due to five retirements and one lateral transfer to a neighboring community. The town is in the process of scheduling the new hires for the Massachusetts Fire Academy.