Chief O'Brien Takes Reins of Braintree Fire Department

Lt. James O'Brien was sworn-in Thursday as Braintree's newest fire chief, replacing Kevin Murphy, who retired in January.

Friends, family, firefighters and local officials packed Town Hall for a ceremony recognizing O'Brien, a 25-year veteran of the force and the 13th chief in Braintree history.

Mayor Joseph Sullivan thanked the other four internal candidates who applied for the position and were vetted over a four-month period this winter and spring. Their desire to serve did not go unnoticed, Sullivan said, and they made his decision a difficult one.

Through Sullivan's interactions with O'Brien, he said he found a passionate, idea-driven candidate. Sullivan said he was stimulated by O'Brien's curiosity and plans to communicate the department's goals internally and externally.

"In Lt. O'Brien, I discovered someone who is ready to lead," Sullivan said.

Sullivan used the search process to examine the department as a whole and said O'Brien brought forward fresh ideas on topics such as sick time and overtime reform, reformatting the training officer position and the plans for the East Braintree Fire Station.

"In short, I expect Lt. O'Brien will serve as a proactive chief," Sullivan said.

Congressman Stephen Lynch, attending the ceremony after a morning of meeting with fire chiefs in Washington, DC, said that since 9/11, the role of fire departments has evolved and they are now on the front lines of national security as well.

"Chief O'Brien, taking the reigns at this time speaks volumes to your leadership, your dedication and your reputation," Lynch said.

O'Brien said no other word stood out as much when preparing remarks for Thursday's ceremony than "privilege." He also thanked his department for its dedication, integrity and professionalism.

"It's a privilege to lead the best fire department on the South Shore," O'Brien said. "I just mentioned the word character and this department is chock full of it."

Acting Chief Robert Dyer, who served between Murphy and O'Brien while Sullivan looked for a new chief, stepped down Thursday and also announced his retirement.

Among those who O'Brien said had impacted his life the most was his father, former Boston Fire Lt. Ronald O'Brien, a longtime veteran of that city's force.

"I would be nothing without the love, the guidance and encouragement you have given mean since the moment I was born," O'Brien said.