Oath of Office and Pinning Ceremony Celebrates Andover Fire Rescue Personnel

June 13, 2025

On Wednesday, June 11, members of the Andover Fire Rescue Department were formally recognized during an Oath of Office and Pinning Ceremony held at Memorial Hall Library. The ceremony honored recently hired firefighters and promoted officers, and served an an opportunity to reaffirm the Department's commitment to service, leadership, and community.

Town Manager Andrew Flanagan and Fire Chief Kyle Murphy delivered remarks reflecting on the significance of the occasion. Town Clerk and Deputy Town Manager Austin Simko administered the Oath of Office.

Town Manager Flanagan praised the honorees for their dedication and highlighted the Town’s recent investments in public safety. "I was so please that Town Meeting overwhelmingly approved our recommendation for funding to add nine members to the Department, and an additional two this past April,” Flanagan said. “This really matters because it reflects the community’s overwhelming support for the Department.” Flanagan acknowledged the critical role that families play, offering gratitude for their ongoing support of those who serve.

Fire Chief Murphy emphasized the hard work and professionalism that brought each honoree to this milestone. “These accomplishments are the result of hard work, training, and personal sacrifice,” he said. “What sets these individuals apart is not just their skill, but their professionalism, character, and ability to meet the demands of this noble profession.”

The ceremony recognized promotions including Deputy Chief Michael Oteri and Lieutenants Timothy Bartlett and James Bancroft. A total of 21 firefighters were recognized as well, some with years of service dating back as far as 2008, and others newly joining the department in 2024.

The event concluded with the Firefighter’s Prayer, read by firefighter Shea Adams.

The following members of Andover Fire Rescue were recognized and sworn-in during the ceremony:

Deputy Chief
Michael Oteri - 4/14/2024

Lieutenants
Timothy Bartlett - 7/9/2023
James Bancroft - 4/28/2024

 Firefighters
Brian Flanagan - 12/3/2008
Jonathan Booth - 7/1/2018
Philip Mansfield - 5/5/2019
Mathew Companeschi - 11/3/2019
Christopher Carbone - 11/3/2019
Adam Cole - 12/1/2019
Jason McCarthy - 7/11/2021
Lance Whitney - 1/16/2022
Andrew Silvestro - 7/5/2022
Connor Cameron - 7/5/2022
Sean Davis - 12/5/2022
Jeffrey Hanson - 7/10/2023
Christopher Thunberg - 8/7/2023
Chad Cameron - 8/21/2023
Matthew Veazie - 8/21/2023
Justin Mullen - 1/2/2024
Joseph Lords - 1/2/2024
Chris Drumm - 1/2/2024
Griffin Foley - 1/2/2024
Sara Semenza - 2/5/2024
Shea Adams - 7/1/2024