Thursday, October 26, 2017
After an extensive interview process encompassing general, community, administration, operations and SWOT analysis panel questions and scenarios, Mayor Domenic J. Sarno has named Springfield resident and current Agawam Deputy Fire Chief Bernard “BJ” Calvi as Springfield’s next Fire Commissioner.
Mayor Sarno states, “Deputy Chief Calvi succinctly and directly answered all questions and scenarios with a strong command and vision to take our Fire Department to the next level – he’s a go-getter – very well versed in dealing with firefighting and community engagement.”
Mayor Sarno was pleased with the caliber of the semi-finalists. The interview panel consisted of Mayor Sarno, Director of Human Resources and Labor Relations Atty. William Mahoney, Chief Administrative and Financial Officer TJ Plante and Chief of Staff Denise Jordan.
“I would like to thank Mayor Sarno for entrusting me with this responsibility. I look forward to serving the citizens of the City of Springfield, and the Springfield Fire Department. I will do my very best to lead the department into the future,” said Deputy Chief Calvi.
Calvi has served as Agawam’s Deputy Chief since 2012. He joined the Agawam Fire Department in 1995 as a firefighter and was named Lieutenant in 2002. Calvi is a certified paramedic and has completed multiple training programs through FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute, the Center for Domestic Preparedness, and the Security and Emergency Response Training Center and the International Association of Arson Investigators encompassing terrorism and explosion response, scuba rescue, electrical systems, safety on scene and more.
His professional memberships include the International Association of Fire Chiefs, Fire Chiefs Association of Massachusetts, New England Association of Fire Chiefs, International Association of Arson Investigators Massachusetts Division and the Massachusetts Association of Hazardous Materials Technicians.
As Commissioner, Calvi will have a starting salary of $145,000 with a 5-year contract. His start date is Wednesday, January 24, 2018.
Mayor Sarno extends his thanks to outgoing Commissioner Joseph Conant for his dedicated efforts and looks forward to a smooth transition process. Details for a formal swearing in ceremony will be announced in the near future.
