By Keith Regan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – Selectmen Jan. 11 voted to appoint David L. Parenti the town’s next fire chief.
His appointment took effect the same day and capped an extensive search and screening process. Parenti replaces longtime chief David Durgin, who retired at the end of June.
Parenti had previously served as chief of the Belmont, N.H., department since 2010. Before that he served 24 years with the Merrimack, N.H., fire department, including 10 years as assistant chief. He holds a bachelor of science in fire service administration and a master’s of public administration from the University of New Hampshire.
The board’s vote to appoint Parenti was unanimous. He was immediately sworn in by Town Clerk Andrew Dowd.
Selectmen Chair Jeff Amberson said Parenti stood out during the process for both his experience and education in fire services and his “reputation as a leader, as someone who brings out the very best from everyone on his team.”
Parenti was joined by his wife of 28 years and one of his children. Also in attendance were several members of the Northborough Fire Department in their formal dress uniforms.
“Seeing all these guys their Class As – it blows me away,” Parenti said. “It shows not only their dedication but that they are united and ready to move forward together.”
The new chief acknowledged the search process was a “long experience and trying at times. But because of that I feel really prepared to come in and hit the ground running.”
The rigor of the selection process was by design, said Town Administrator John Coderre.
“I frankly wouldn’t change a thing,” he said. “It resulted in a broad consensus in terms of where we’re going. It means a lot when you pick someone for a position as important as this one and that selection has unanimous support.”