BRATTLEBORO — As Lt. Martin Rancourt stepped down from his position with the department after more than three decades of service, the fire department lineup has shifted.
The department has promoted Shawn Hammond to the rank of lieutenant and hired George Allen of Putney as firefighter.
Both men assume their new roles on April 6.
According to Fire Chief Michael Bucossi, 17 candidates from across New England submitted applications for the firefighter position.
Candidates were required to take a written exam. Those with a grade of 70 or better moved on to an oral board exam. The top three candidates then interviewed with Bucossi and Assistant Fire Chief Pete Lynch.
Allen has experience with the Putney Fire Department, said Bucossi.
Of the nine BFD staff eligible to apply for the lieutenant position vacated by Rancourt, seven submitted applications, said Bucossi.
Initial applications consisted of a cover letter, resume, and essay on how the candidates believed they would transition from the rank of firefighter to lieutenant.
Candidates also took a written test issued by the State Fire Academy. All received the required passing grade of 70 percent or better, said Bucossi.
After an oral board exam, the top three lieutenant candidates interviewed with Lynch and Bucossi.