Barrington promotes 3 to assistant fire chief

Congratulations to former Barrington fire lieutenants Char McLear, Lenn Grant and Christian Toussaint, who were sworn in this week as the department's first assistant chiefs.

As well as remaining in charge of their three rotating shifts, these three officers will be taking on increased administrative duties above and beyond those of their firefighter/paramedic shifts.

This restructuring of the department is intended to better use the three officers' experience and expertise, as well as grooming them for even higher roles in fire administration, Barrington Fire Chief Jim Aries said.

While Aries remains chief and John Feit deputy chief, the rank of assistant chief has never existed in the Barrington Fire Department before.

The three will stay on their 24-hour rotations, but will be back in the office for other duties during periods of what had been their 48 hours off between shifts.

McLear will be in charge of training and safety as well as serving as liaison to special response teams. Grant will be in charge of part-time programs, inspections, the district grid program and communications. Toussaint will be the department's emergency medical services coordinator.

Also promoted this week was Donald Koplin, to the rank of lieutenant. Christopher Kelly and Eric Brouilette were sworn in as the department's newest firefighter/paramedics.