LEADERSHIP RECOGNIZED: North Reading Fire Department Promotes Five Firefighters to Lieutenant

NORTH READING — Leaders among the firefighters of the North Reading Fire Department were called front and center Thursday morning and promoted to the rank of Lieutenant. 

Firefighters Tyler Samost, James Casaletto, Cory Harris, Adam Salemme, and Jon Burt have decades of combined experience and have demonstrated consistent leadership among the rank and file that keeps the department running. 

They were sworn in Thursday morning at the fire station by Town Clerk Susan Duplin. The promotions take effect immediately. 

Lt. Samost is a North Reading native, and has been with the department since 2014. He is consistently active within the Department, working as a firefighter, SAFE specialist, and member of the Department’s Crisis Intervention Team. Lt. Samost is assigned to Group 1.

Lt. Casaletto has been with the department since 2019, and was recently appointed as an Assistant Department Trainer due to his constant positive attitude and excellent leadership abilities. Lt. Casaletto is a role model for the department that others look to as an example and standard. Lt. Casaletto is assigned to Group 2.

Lt. Harris is a North Reading native and has been with the department since 2014.  Lt. Harris maintains a strong, steady presence on his workgroup, constantly coaching newer firefighters and setting the right example. Lt. Harris has been consistently active within the Department and is currently in charge of the Department’s Fire Alarm division. Lt. Harris is assigned to Group 4.

Lt. Salemme is a North Reading native, and has been with the department since 2018. Lt. Salemme is a consummate professional who sets a great example within the Department. Lt. Salemme is extremely active with the Department, functioning as an Assistant Department Trainer, SAFE specialist, and member of the Department’s Crisis Intervention Team. Most recently, Lt. Salemme coordinated and ran the department’s internal five-week training academy for six new recruits. Lt. Salemme is assigned to Group 3.

Lt. Burt is a North Reading native and has been with the department since 1995. Lt. Burt is the benchmark for commitment to the North Reading Fire Department.  Lt. Burt is the Department’s mechanic and handles anything, mechanically or otherwise, that is asked of him, both on and off duty, always putting the Department before self. Lt. Burt is a strong, steady and logical presence within the Department whom department members turn to when questions arise. Lt. Burt is assigned to Fire Prevention.

“We are extremely grateful to the Town of North Reading for authorizing the creation of five new leadership positions within our department,” said Chief Don Stats. “By recognizing and promoting leaders within our ranks, we strengthen our command structure, our readiness, our morale, and reward dedication to the people of North Reading. Today was a very important day to the North Reading Fire Department, and I congratulate all the leaders who were recognized. I look forward to seeing where they will help take this department.”