Swampscott Firefighters sent off in blaze of glory

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Last Updated, Sep 23, 2024, 7:11 AM

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SWAMPSCOTT — Fire Captain James Snow and Deputy Chief James Potts were recognized by the town for their careers as the pair have both recently retired.

Fire Chief Graham Archer took to the microphone during a Select Board meeting to praise both individuals. Snow served in the department of his hometown for just more than 40 years. Archer cited his aptitude and knowledge for the field as helping him earn promotions consistently during his tenure.

“Jim spent much of his time with the department as a union official, also becoming the union president for many years,” Archer said.

Potts served nearly 30 years with the Swampscott Fire Department. Archer described the early 1990’s as a time period when firefighters throughout the state were being laid off.

“We had a lot of firefighters come through the fire department in the early 90’s,” Archer said. “We took these people on knowing full well that they might likely go back to their own departments… Jim stayed though, and we’re happy that he did.”

Potts worked as both the code enforcement officer and fire prevention officer. In addition, he was also an instructor at the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy.

“These two gentlemen are a tremendous loss of experience and knowledge to our department,” Archer said. “We’re going to make it, but we’re struggling to replace it.”

Select Board Chair MaryEllen Fletcher said Swampscott is fortunate to have had consistency at those positions, as Snow and Potts have a combined 70 years of service.

“I think it says something about Swampscott, and it says a whole lot about the character of those men,” Fletcher said. “They have such institutional knowledge, and I hope that they will continue to be some type of service.”

Archer also announced the promotion of Michael LeBlanc to Captain and Michael Bagnell to Lieutenant. Bethanie Dudley was sworn-in as the department’s newest firefighter.

“Beth comes to work humble and eager to work,” Archer said. “In the short time she’s been with us, she has been completely adopted by her shift.”

Ben Pierce is the Item’s Swampscott and Nahant reporter. He graduated Cum Laude from Marist College in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Sports Journalism. He also has experience covering Marblehead and Peabody for the Item. Ben is an avid Boston sports fan and in his free time enjoys video games, swimming, golfing, and watching Tom Brady highlights.

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