Benjamino states his case for Sharon Fire Chief

Sharon - Middleborough Fire Chief Lance Benjamino, 47, told selectmen on Tuesday why his experience as Fire Chief in Middleborough, MA has made him a good candidate for the town’s open position.

Benjamino, a Hanson resident, started his career as a firefighter in 1988 at the Randolph Fire Department, worked through the ranks for approximately 16 years, rising to captain. He then took a job as Halifax’s Fire Chief for six years before taking the Middleborough post in March 2009.

This meeting followed two interviews last Tuesday, in which Chief Jeffrey P. Lynch of Portmouth, R.I. and Chief James W. Wright of Athol, made their case for why they deserved the position.

Town Administrator Benjamin Puritz said that the board would most likely make a decision in the next week.

Benjamino said that his more than 20 years of experience made him an ideal candidate for the Sharon Department. He said the town would also be perfect for him.

“Sharon is a great town,” he said. “I think it would be a great fit for me.”

During the interview, Benjamino told the board about his accomplishments as chief, including the numerous grants he received. While at Halifax, he secured $475,000 in grant money. He spoke proudly of a $135,000 grant he fought for from the executive office of Public Safety, which he said helped save firefighter’s jobs.

Benjamino has also run into some controversy over the past year. A proposed grant of $2.2 million to add 16 firefighters and open a new station has created mixed reviews from the citizens of Middleborough, because it would force the town to take on approximately $1 million in new salaries for a year.

“This grant has taken a road I didn’t expect,” he said. “I never anticipated the negativity,”

He said if the situation isn’t resolved, Benjamino would be unable to accept the position if offered to him.

Benjamino also spoke of his hands-on management style that would leave firefighters accountable for themselves, while simultaneously offering help when they needed it.

“I think it’s very important to talk to the firefighters and understand what’s going on in their lives,” he said.

Chairman Walter “Joe” Roach said that the one selected should have a good mix of managerial talent and leadership.

“I want someone who will be there with the firefighters and also be strong for the firefighters,” he said. 

James Davenport, the president for the firefighters union in Sharon, said that the decision would be difficult as all three candidates were qualified for the job.

“We look forward to moving forward with a new chief and opening a new chapter at the Sharon Fire Department,” he said.

Evan Koslof

7/29/11

Originally Posted:  http://www.wickedlocal.com/sharon/news/x555030340/Benjamino-states-his-case-for-Sharon-Fire-Chief#axzz1TWiU7eE5