Fire District No. 1 election on April 25

Apr 21, 2016

Fire District No. 1 will hold on elections on Monday, April 25 for a vacant seat on the Board of Auditors and and an opening on the Prudential Committee.

Alfred DeMello is running unopposed for reelection on the Board of Auditors. DeMello Has been on the Board for four years and, in November, will have been with the fire district for 24 years. From a fire fighter to the District No. 1 delegate for Massachusetts Call Volunteer Association, DeMello's involvement with the district has never waned.

"We'll make sure the bills that get paid are stuff we're supposed to pay," DeMello said.

The Prudential Committee vacancy was left by John Haran, who was elected to the Select Board on April 5. Three candidates are in the running for the Prudential Committee seat: Jeff Costa, Joe Vieira, and Troy DeCouto.

Costa has been involved with the fire district in various capacities for the last 24 years, from firefighter to acting fire chief.

“Now I think it’s time for me to step down and help manage the department, rather than fight fires,” Costa said.

Vieira, a Safety Officer and member of the Parks and Recreation department, has been involved with Fire District No. 1 and says he is ready to give back to the community.

"I try to stay active," Vieira said. "The town's been good to me, it's been good to my family."

Troy DeCouto declined to comment. A former District No. lieutenant, DeCouto was found guilty of larceny after stealing gas from the district in 2014. For more information, click here.

Polls will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. at Fire District No. 1, located at 10 Bridge St.