BRISTOL — The Bristol Fire Department on Saturday elected new officers at its annual meeting, and installed Brett LaRose as the new chief.
LaRose has been with the department since 1995. He replaces outgoing chief John “Peeker” Heffernan, who served as chief for six years. Heffernan on Tuesday expressed confidence in the department’s choice of LaRose.
“I think he’ll do a great job — he’s been doing hard work, and he deserves credit,” Heffernan said.
At the Bristol selectboard meeting Monday, LaRose complimented his predecessor, who is also a member of the selectboard.
“I want to acknowledge Peeker for his six years as chief and many years as an officer,” LaRose said. “He believes in our department and in our safety.”
LaRose said Tuesday that his goals for the department are to continue improving safety standards, and keeping all personnel compliant with fire service training standards. He added that he hopes to see the department build a new facility, a process the town has been working on for more than a year.
Heffernan said he will still be an active member in the department.
“I felt it was time, and I left on my terms,” Heffernan said. “Brett devotes an enormous amount of time to this — he certainly has the skills and talents to do an excellent job.”
Members also elected Eric Forand as first assistant chief, Kevin LaRose as second assistant chief, Lance Perlee as captain, Amos Martin as lieutenant, Jarrett Kimball as truck captain and Cody Cyr as truck lieutenant.
Department officers are elected to one-year terms, Heffernan said.