A full-time lieutenant and EMT in the Groveland Fire Department and West Newbury deputy fire chief was named Newbury’s next fire chief pending completion of successful contract negotiations.
Newbury Select Board members unanimously chose David Evans to succeed former Fire Chief Douglas Janvrin, who retired in August after 36 years of service.
The Board hired Community Paradigm Associates to lead the search for a permanent chief. Seven candidates applied, with a screening committee choosing five for initial interviews. Three candidates participated in an Assessment Center to test their skills in fire management, leadership, employee management, and decision-making.
Before entering public safety full-time, he worked as assistant principal at Oyster River High School in Durham, N.H., from 2003-2008, and assistant principal at Pentucket Regional High School from 2008-2017. While at Pentucket he created and led the Pentucket Regional Public Safety Academy, in which more than 400 students were trained in fire science, law enforcement and applied health.
Evans holds a bachelor’s from Salem State University and master’s from the University of New Hampshire, as well as numerous professional certifications.