Six New Firefighters Join North Reading Fire Department; Staffing Levels to Increase

NORTH READING — Six new firefighters swore an oath and joined the ranks of the North Reading Fire Department on Friday morning, improving readiness and public safety throughout town. 

Firefighters Chris McCann, Kevin Robert, Joseph Robishaw, Mark Potter, Matthew Sochat, and Bridget Leahy were all sworn in Friday at 10:30 a.m. at the North Reading Fire Station. All six are recent graduates of the Massachusetts Firefighting Academy. 

The addition of six new full-time firefighters brings the North Reading Fire Department’s ranks to 31 full-time members and four call members, and enables the department to begin staffing seven firefighters per shift around the clock, 365 days per year. 

The increased firefighter staffing will improve readiness, firefighter safety, and the ability of the department to respond quickly to emergencies large and small. 

“The addition of six well-trained, full-time firefighters is a significant investment in public safety in North Reading, and it will pay dividends immediately as we expand our staffing to have seven firefighters on duty at all times,” said Chief Don Stats. “I want to thank the Town Manager, the Select Board, and everyone who made it possible for us to make these hires.”

Firefighter McCann is a 2019 graduate of North Reading High School, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Suffolk University. 

Firefighter Leahy is a 2010 graduate of Beverly High School, and serves as a U.S. Army Combat Medic. 

Firefighter Potter is a 2019 graduate of North Reading High School, and a nationally registered EMT. 

Firefighter Robert is a 2013 graduate of North Reading High School, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from Salem State University. 

Firefighter Robishaw is a 2021 graduate of North Reading High School, and a nationally registered EMT. 

Firefighter Sochat is a 2008 graduate of Lynnfield High School, holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from UMass Lowell, and serves as a Staff Sergeant in the Massachusetts National Guard.