Kingston Fire Department Promotes Captain, Swears in Four New Firefighters
Joshua Hatch advances to captain while Elizabeth Ewell, Mark Leary, Patrick O'Donovan and Caroline Reed complete probationary periods
KINGSTON - June 17 - The Kingston Fire Department celebrated new leadership and fresh talent Monday evening as the Board of Selectmen oversaw a pinning ceremony promoting Joshua Hatch to captain and swearing in four new firefighters, Elizabeth Ewell, Mark Leary, Patrick O'Donovan and Caroline Reed.
Hatch earned his promotion through a competitive assessment center process that included written examinations and practical components designed to evaluate candidates' overall abilities. He ranked highest among applicants and was promoted May 27 to fill the position left by Captain Susan Hussey, who retires in July after 27 years of service.
"Josh was promoted to captain on May 27th, 2025, taking Captain Hussey's place on group three," Fire Chief said during the ceremony. Hatch's wife Stephanie and children Nora and Caleb participated in the pinning ceremony.
The four new firefighters - Elizabeth Ewell, Mark Leary, Patrick O'Donovan and Caroline Reed - each completed extensive training requirements before earning their permanent positions. All new Kingston firefighters must be certified paramedics before hiring, a process that takes one to two years and includes classroom hours coupled with hospital and field internships.
After hiring, new members attend the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy for 12 weeks of rigorous classroom and practical training in all aspects of firefighting. They then return to Kingston for additional training specific to the department and town operations.
"Tonight, we celebrate their success," Chief Mark Douglass said during the ceremony.
Ewell was pinned by her wife Lorna and sons Carter and Preston. Leary received his badge from his father, retired Weymouth Fire Chief Robert Leary. O'Donovan was joined by his wife Lisa and children Liam and Clara. Reed was pinned by her father, Kingston Firefighter James Reed.
In other business, the Board of Selectmen continued discussions about establishing a Department of Public Works following a public hearing that drew significant community input. The proposal aims to consolidate highway, water and sewer operations under a single director while maintaining existing water and sewer commissions.
Board Chair Eric Crone acknowledged the feedback received during the June hearing, noting concerns raised by residents and department personnel. "We want to hear what everybody thinks, what questions people have, what things we need to figure out," Crone said.
Water Commissioner Bob Erlandsen questioned how potential conflicts would be resolved between a DPW director and water department operations. "The water commissioners hire our superintendent with a directive to do what's best for the potable water supply in Kingston," Erlandsen said. "If there's a DPW person who is giving him a direction that goes counter to his expertise and our direction, who gives?"
Water Department Treatment Plant Operator David Saper, who has served 25 years, expressed concerns about maintaining rapid response capabilities. "One of the reasons I've always loved serving on the Water Department is because of the management structure that we have," Saper said. "My only concern is that this plan in no way impedes that rapid response leadership that we currently already have at the Water Department."
Town Administrator Keith Hickey explained that daily operations would remain largely unchanged, with licensed water and sewer employees continuing their specialized work. The DPW structure would primarily improve coordination during emergencies and major projects.
The board scheduled another public hearing for July 29 at 5:30 p.m. to continue gathering community input on the proposal.
The selectmen also addressed several other matters during their regular meeting:
• School roof project: The board supported the Kingston School Committee's decision to replace 20 percent of the Kingston Elementary School roof using Massachusetts School Building Authority funding. The project covers approximately 11,000 square feet of the building's worst roofing section, with the state providing roughly 35 percent reimbursement.
• Conservation grant: Selectmen approved the Conservation Department's application for a Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grant to design stormwater improvements for Drew and Seaver avenues in Rocky Nook. The $38,000 grant requires a $4,200 local match.
• Agricultural fair: The Agricultural Commission received permission to hold its annual fair Sept. 21 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on the Town Hall lawn, following the same successful format as last year.
• Road closure: Rocky Nook residents received approval to close several neighborhood streets July 4 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. for their annual Independence Day celebration, with conditions ensuring emergency vehicle access.
• Liquor license: St. Joseph's Parish received a one-day liquor license for a game night June 27 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., despite neighbor concerns about potential noise issues.
The board also approved annual reappointments to various town boards and commissions and declared a former Animal Control Ford Explorer surplus for sale or fire department training use.
Hickey reported that the Silver Lake High School softball team won the state championship over the weekend and that the school department resolved a potential $457,000 revenue deficit through unpaid leaves and retirements.
The next Board of Selectmen meeting is scheduled for July 1.