Newbury Fire Department Congratulates its Five Massachusetts Fire Academy Graduates

NEWBURY — Fire Chief David Evans and The Newbury Fire Department would like to congratulate the department’s five Massachusetts Fire Academy graduates.

Newbury Firefighters Alexander Monteiro, Ashley Paquin, Akasia Ware, Brian Snell and Michael Shea graduated from the Massachusetts Fire Academy’s Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #123 during a ceremony on Tuesday, March 10. 

Firefighters Monteiro, Paquin, Ware, Snell and Shea were among the 34 firefighters from 13 fire departments to graduate from the Academy’s Call/Volunteer Recruit Class #123.

Firefighter Ashley Paquin

Originally from North Andover, Paquin now lives in Plaistow, N.H. Her love for medicine and EMS began at a young age and led her to work for Lawrence General EMS before attending the Academy. While she worked as a restaurant server, she attended EMT school, where she says she began to explore the potential of a career in fire service. 

“While I worked I went to EMT school and was introduced into a whole new world that we know as the Fire Service,” said Paquin. “During that time my passion for firefighting began and I knew that this was the job I wanted to do.”

Firefighter Alex Monteiro

A Newbury native, Monteiro grew up fishing and working on a charter fishing boat and later pursuing commercial fishing. While he plans to start his own fishing business, Monteiro also comes from a public safety family, with his father working as a Police Sergeant in Ipswich, which inspired him to serve his community as well. 

“I wanted to be a firefighter because I come from a family of people who love helping and protecting our community,” said Monteiro. ” I knew I wanted to protect and serve my community and be someone that everyone can rely on when they need help the most.” 

Monteiro is set to graduate from Columbia Southern University with a degree in Fire Service in May.

Firefighter Brian Snell 

Firefighter Snell has a storied career within public safety and service. Snell is a Marine Corps veteran and worked as a Sheriffs Officer for six years. His dedicated work has earned him numerous awards, including the 2014 Volunteer of the Year for volunteer work in his hometown of Merrimack, N.H., the John Labonte Good Samaritan Award while working for the Maine Trucking Association in 2019, and the Highway Angel Award while working with the TCA Truck Carrier Association in 2018. 

Snell was also a Ground Zero Rescue Worker who responded to the 9/11 Twin Towers’ attack aftermath to engage in search and recovery efforts. 

Throughout his career, Snell has been driven by a passion for service that he intends to carry with him to his new role in Newbury. 

“I believe that you are the Good Samaritan, ‘Service-above-Self,’ being that helping hand to those in need,” said Snell. “It’s a true honor to work aside your Newbury Fire firefighters as your new full-time firefighter.”

Firefighter Michael Shea

Firefighter Shea, a Byfield native, visited 10 different countries and worked numerous blue-collar jobs before realizing firefighting was the career for him. 

With a degree in Political Science from the University of New Hampshire, Shea spent time as a teacher, both in America and abroad. On Easter 2025, Shea found himself working in fire service, when a brush fire and a handful of medical calls hooked him on the profession for life. He is now pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Fire Science from North Shore Community College.

“I feel like I tried a million different jobs before realizing firefighting was where my heart was,” said Shea. “It feels so good to finally feel passionate about a career. I’m glad I never stopped looking for what was right for me.”

Firefighter Akasia Ware

Ware’s interest in being a firefighter began at Salem High School. She was placed in an internship at the Fire Department in her hometown of Salem, N.H., which offered an introduction to the world of fire service.

“That internship played a major role in shaping my career path,” she said. “It introduced me to the Fire Service as a whole — the teamwork, and the impact the firefighters have on their community. This ultimately led me to pursue this career and develop a strong passion for the job and the people we serve.”

She pursued a degree in Fire Science from Lakes Region Community College and worked as a full-time dispatcher with the Salem Fire Department before joining the Newbury Fire Department. 

The program teaches the essentials of fire and non-fire conditions, life safety, search and rescue, ladder operations, water supply, pump operation and fire attack over 240 hours of classroom instruction, physical fitness training, firefighter skills training and live firefighting practice. As graduates, each firefighter has met the standards of NFPA 1010 Standard for Fire Fighter Professional Qualifications.

“Newbury Fire is pleased to welcome these five outstanding individuals into the Department,” said Chief Evans. “Each of these individuals bring with them a unique background built around passion and service, and we are excited to have them devote their passions to serving our community.”

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