JAY — The new officers for the Jay Fire/Rescue Department were sworn in Wednesday during a special ceremony at the North Jay station.

Town Manager Ruth Cushman swore in those officers chosen by town officials for two-year positions under the new structure created to unite the department.

Firefighters promoted and sworn in to their respective positions included Assistant Fire Chief Michael Booker, Capt. Justin Merrill. Lt. Darren Roundy, Lt. Gary Wright and Lt. Rick Duguay, Emergency Management Agency Director Noel Brown and Safety Officer Richard Cook,

Under the new structure Police Chief Larry G. White Sr. will serve as public safety director tending to the administrative side of the department while Booker oversees the firefighting duties.

White will oversee duties such as payroll, budgeting ordering equipment and taking care of internal issues, while Booker deals with the day-to-day work involved in fighting fires,White said.

The department restructuring started after Fire Chief Randy Berry resigned in March and included appointing the public safety director and assistant fire chief, plus a captain and three lieutenants.

The 40-member volunteer fire department normally handles about 150 calls a year. This year has been a little slower, so far, but the year before last there were more than 200 calls, Booker said. They participate with other departments providing mutual aid to other towns.

All the members work full-time jobs and do required training. Booker said they serve because they like it and they like helping the community, but it does take dedication and the support of their families.

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