New Chief Wins Enthusiastic Support from Firefighters Union Following Cordial Meeting
Following a unanimous vote by the Board of Selectmen naming him to the $29,000-a-year post, Thomas J. Barry Jr. formally accepted the appointment as chief of the Norwood Fire Department yesterday.
Barry—who previously served as fire chief in El Cerrito, California—had deferred his immediate acceptance following Wednesday night’s interview to consult with his wife and meet with local union leadership. That crucial morning meeting, lasting an hour, successfully bridged the gap between the incoming administration and rank-and-file personnel.
Union President Thomas J.P. Collins described the session as “very cordial” and expressed immense enthusiasm for the incoming leadership: “I think it’s going to be a very lasting relationship. He’s everything we expect of a fire chief—of a firefighter’s fire chief.” Alluding to the strained, bitter nine-month relationship between the union and civilian acting chief Robert T. Capeless Jr., Collins added: “The man knows what he’s talking about. He’s going to bring morale back and put the department back on its feet.”
Chief Barry’s Transition Timeline & Actions
Initial Station Visit
Following his meeting with union executives, Chief Barry spent the majority of the workday touring the Norwood fire station, engaging directly in discussions with rank-and-file firefighters and outgoing acting chief Robert T. Capeless Jr.
Official Start Date
Chief Barry is scheduled to officially assume command and take up permanent residence in Norwood in early December, following family relocation preparations.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
More Norwood Fire Stories
-
Board of Selectmen Consider Fire Chief Succession Following Chief Harry Butler’s Retirement-October 25, 1962
As the Board of Selectmen weighs filling the vacancy left by retired Fire Chief Harry Butler, Deputy Chief Irving Dobson serves as acting chief amid local election and school convention notices.
-
Oil-Painting Firefighter Eugene Charron To Present Portrait To Bishop Minihan-This Day in Norwood History-March 27, 1957
By EUGENE V. McLEAN A veteran member of the Norwood Fire Department, Eugene Charron, 56, with 23 years of service as a firefighter has an artistic hobby which he pursues in his spare time, that of oil painting. Genial “Gene” who lives at 234 Vernon street has just completed a beautiful 16 x 20 inch…
-
5 Towns Battle $35,000 Blaze at Norwood Plant-March 3, 1950
Firemen from five towns battled a blaze which gutted the wool shoddy plant of the C W Wool Company, off Lenox st., in near-zero temperatures early this morning, causing damage estimated at $35,000. 1 The fire in the 90-foot long one-story brick structure was discovered about 3 a. m. by patrolmen Frank Walsh and Richard.…
-
Cigarette Blamed For General Alarm Fire At Norwood VFW Quarters-This Day In Norwood History-March 10, 1949
A carelessly tossed cigarette caused the general alarm fire that gutted the interior of the VFW headquarters on Railroad Avenue early Saturday morning, at which three firemen were injured, none seriously, Fire Chief Alonzo N. Earle announced this week. The firemen injured were Leo Storme who suffered a cut on the left hand Timothy Balfour,…
-
Police Save Dog From Drowning After Plunge Through Ice-This Day in Norwood History-January 6, 1949
Police, Firemen Join Forces To Rescue Struggling German Shepherd At Dunn’s Near exhaustion from struggling in three feet of icy water after he plunged through thin ice while crossing Dunn’s Pond off Nahatan street, a gray and brown German shepherd dog was rescued from drowning by police and firemen on Sunday morning as dozens of…
-
Former Fire Chief, F. Fred Boyden, 94, Is a Garden Hobbyist-This Day In Norwood History-August 26, 1948
This Day In Norwood History-August 27, 1948-Former Fire Chief, 94, Garden Hobbyist
-
New Police & Fire Cars-This Day In Norwood History-August 29, 1947
Shown lined up outside the Municipal Building following their recent delivery. Seated at the wheels of the cars (left to right) ore Sgt. Joseph Flood, Patrolman Valentine Balutis and Fire Chief Alonzo N. Earle. (McLean Photo) Discover more from Norwood Historical Society Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email. Type your email……
-
New 85-Foot Aerial Ladder Truck Arrives-This Day In Norwood History-August 31, 1945
Norwood’s new 85-foot aerial ladler truck rumbled into town late Monday to take its place in the Norwood Fire Department as the most modern piece of fire-fighting equipment of its kind available. The truck had been expected the latter part of last week but a transportation delay was encountered because of the two-day victory holidays.…
-
Norwood Fire Department Reorganized-This Day in Norwood History-August 19, 1916
The Norwood Fire Department was practically reorganized at a meeting held last evening at the Central Fire Station by the Board of Engineers, including Chief Engineer J. Fred Boyden, Engineer Frank W. Talbot and Town Manager C. A. Bingham, who is likewise a member of the Board of Engineers. The captains and secretaries of the…
-
Three Fires In Two Days-This Day In Norwood History-August 25, 1905
This Day In Norwood History-August 25, 1905-Three Fires In Two Days
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.