The Somerville City Committee on Confirmation of Appointments and Personnel Matters on Feb. 5 recommended approval of three internal promotions in the Somerville Fire Department: Christopher Galvin and Andrew Kachuk for promotion to fire lieutenant, and Thomas Bellini for promotion to fire captain.

The committee meeting was held remotely under Chapter 2 of the Acts of 2023, with an audio or audiovisual record to be posted on the City of Somerville website. The committee chair moved to recommend approval for each promotion after brief introductions by department chiefs and short remarks from the candidates.

Chief Breen introduced Christopher Galvin, saying Galvin "has been a member of the [Somerville] Fire Department since 2015" and has served in an acting lieutenant role. Galvin, who is an emergency medical technician and holds a bachelor of science degree in business administration, told the committee, "Thank you for the opportunity to serve the city of Somerville and to be considered for this promotion." The committee clerk called the roll for agenda item 25-0220 and several councilors indicated support; the committee "recommended to be approved." The record shows the chair said the promotion "will be referred to the full council at our next Thursday's meeting."

Chief Reed introduced Andrew Kachuk, noting that Kachuk "has been a member of the department since 2016," is serving as an acting lieutenant on the rescue company, has technical certifications, is a United States Marine Corps veteran, and is enrolled in the fire science program at North Shore Community College. Kachuk said, "I love what I do, and I appreciate the opportunity to continue serving the city." The committee voted to recommend approval of agenda item 25-0219.

Chief Green introduced Thomas Bellini for promotion to fire captain. According to the record, Bellini "was appointed to the [Somerville] Fire Department in 2012, promoted to lieutenant in 2020," serves as a medical supply officer and assistant infection control officer, is a paramedic, and holds a master’s degree in public administration in fire and emergency services along with multiple rescue certifications. Bellini said he had been "acting in this role" for roughly a year and described looking forward to "taking on more responsibility" and helping with projects such as supplies and the new station. The committee recommended approval of agenda item 25-0218.

Each promotion was presented without extended debate; committee members said they reviewed the candidates’ materials and expressed support. The committee formally accepted the minutes of the Feb. 5 meeting and adjourned. The committee’s recommendations will move to the full City Council for final confirmation as provided by the council’s process.

Why this matters: Promotions affect departmental leadership and staffing continuity in emergency response services. The committee’s recommendations will be considered by the full Somerville City Council at a later meeting for final confirmation.