Nahant extends fire and police chiefs

NAHANT — The Board of Selectmen voted unanimously to award three-year contract extensions to Police Chief Timothy Furlong and Fire Chief Austin Antrim through 2027.

Both were sworn into their positions in the summer of 2021, with Furlong succeeding Robert Dwyer and Antrim succeeding Dean Palombo.

“Both Chief Furlong and Chief Antrim have done tremendous work toward gaining the trust of the residents of Nahant… You’ve got to maintain a high bar to earn it and keep it,” Selectman Rob Tibbo said. “I think they’re both doing an excellent job and I’m really happy that we’re signing them up for another term.”

Town Administrator Tony Barletta credited Furlong for being a driving force behind many initiatives during his tenure as police chief, including capital improvements to the police station, securing state and federal grant funding, purchasing necessary equipment, filling vacancies within the department with successful individuals, and working on moving the department closer to compliance with the state’s police accreditation commission. He is also the Director of the town’s Emergency Management Department.

“The past three years have been a great ride and I’m looking forward to the next three,” Furlong said.

Like Furlong, Barletta testified that Antrim has performed well beyond expectations since assuming his role.

“He’s made significant capital improvements to the station, he’s secured a number of grants for equipment and capital purchases,” Barletta said. “He’s been able to fill full-time positions and has done a tremendous job adding call firefighters to the roster.”

He added that Antrim was integral in securing ocean-rescue equipment for the town. Board Chairman Josh Antrim abstained from discussion and voting on Austin Antrim’s extension, as he is the chief’s uncle.

Austin Antrim admitted that he was nervous about taking up the role, but has since fully embraced it and had success due to town infrastructure.

“It’s really been a steep learning curve, but also very rewarding,” Austin Antrim said. “The members of the department are the ones who make me look good with the work that they do.”

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