The Wakefield Fire Department made two promotions within the department on August 22 due to the recent reinstatement of the Fire Prevention Officer’s position in this year’s fiscal budget.

Fire Lieutenant Thomas M. Purcell was promoted to Fire Captain and will serve as the department’s new Fire Prevention Officer.  Captain Purcell is a 16-year veteran of the Wakefield Fire Department and was in the number one position on the civil service list for promotion to Fire Captain. Purcell holds an Associates Degree in Fire Protection and Safety Technology from North Shore Community College as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Fire Science Administration from Anna Maria College.  He also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Emergency Management from Anna Maria College.  Captain Purcell holds numerous certifications including Firefighter Officer, Fire Inspector and Fire Instructor.  He is a certified Emergency Medical Technician.   Captain Purcell is a Wakefield native and is the son of retired Wakefield Firefighter Thomas Purcell and the brother of Lieutenant Brian S. Purcell, who currently serves on the department.  Captain Purcell assumed his new duties as the department’s Fire Prevention Officer on Thursday, August 23, 2012.

With Lieutenant Purcell’s promotion to Captain, Firefighter Joseph P. Albert was promoted to Lieutenant. Albert is a 13-year veteran of the Wakefield Fire Department and was also in the number one position on the civil service list for promotion to Fire Lieutenant. Albert is also a Wakefield native and holds an Associates Degree in Fire Protection and Safety Technology from North Shore Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Salem State College.  Lieutenant Albert is a certified Emergency Medical Technician. The new Lieutenant has been assigned to the Greenwood Station on Group # 4 under Captain Paul J. Pronco and will start in this new assignment on August 27.