Haverhill’s Deputy Fire Chief Brian Moriarty has been nominated to become fire chief in Lawrence.
Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera said today he plans to submit the candidacy of Moriarty to the Lawrence City Council for review and confirmation. In Rivera’s announcement, the mayor said Moriarty was selected after “a five-month nationwide, public, search process conducted by a team of nine community members.” Moriarty has more than 30 years of experience in fire service and 27 years as a paramedic.
“Brian Moriarty is a proven leader and will be a tremendous asset to the Lawrence Fire Department, if confirmed,” said Rivera. “He is well- respected in the fire service community and I am confident that the city council will see his experience has prepared him to successfully lead our department. I am excited to be able to bring Deputy Fire Chief Moriarty’s energy and leadership to the hardworking men and women of the Lawrence Fire Department”
Moriarty began his firefighting career in 1980 as a crash and structural firefighter for the United States Air Force. Upon retirement, he joined the Haverhill Fire Department as a firefighter in 1987. Rising through the ranks, Moriarty was promoted to lieutenant in 1993, captain in 1998, deputy fire chief of fire prevention in 2003 and senior deputy fire chief in 2010. His father was Frederick Moriarty, a former firefighter and Haverhill city councilor. His mother was Patricia Moriarty, retired personnel director at the former Haverhill Muncipal (Hale) Hospital. Haverhill’s current Fire Chief Richard Borden is expected to retire later this year.
“Brian Moriarty is a career firefighter who has risen through the ranks and perfected his skills over the years,” said Retired Lawrence Fire Chief and Fire Chief Search Committee member Richard Shafer. “I have no doubt that Brian is the candidate Lawrence needs; his experience and educations speaks for itself.”
“What drew me to Brian was his combined knowledge of emergency response and his familiarity with the Lawrence community,” said Lawrence resident, business owner and Fire Chief Search Committee member Cesar Camargo-Sanchez. “His work as a paramedic has led to an established relationship with both the Fire Department and residents of Lawrence. He is an outstanding selection for our new Fire Chief.”
North Andover Fire Chief Andrew Melnikas worked with Moriarty while performing ambulatory duties, as well as on mutual aid fire scenes. Melnikas said, “Mr. Moriarty is the epitome of a team player. He is willing to listen to opposing views and discuss the merits of the same, realizing that, in the end, we are all working towards the same goal.”
William Moynihan, retired chief of probation at the Haverhill District Court and chairman of the Board of Trustees of Northern Essex Community College said, “He has immense dedication to his profession as a firefighter. He goes the extra mile to be the very best he can be in his beloved field of fire science, and goes above and beyond in his training as a paramedic, showing great compassion for the sick, injured and anyone in need of assistance.”
Moriarty has received numerous awards throughout his career including Firefighter of the Year in 1995, Citation of Valor in 2003 and Paramedic of the Year in 2013. In addition to his professional experience, Moriarty holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fire and Emergency Management from Rivier College, an Executive Fire Officer Certificate in Fire Service Management from the National Fire Academy, an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from the Community College of the Air Force and a Paramedic License from Northeastern University.
Rivera’s committee has been meeting since July, 2014. Fifteen individuals submitted applications for the position. “Our Fire Chief Search Committee worked diligently to identify the most qualified and well- prepared candidates for my review, I am both proud of the work they did and the quality of the applicant pool” said Rivera.
good. hope brian is as professional and nice as fred was