NORTHFIELD — After 25 years as a firefighter and more than 10 years as chief of Northfield Emergency Medical Services, Mark Fortier has been accredited as a fire chief by the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission.
The commission, a gubernatorial-appointed board, has an established process for uniform credentialing for the fire chiefs, which considers a variety of factors on a point system including training, professional memberships, involvement on other boards and commissions, service as a paramedic and years of service. Any fire service member holding a rank of lieutenant or above can apply, but to be accredited, an applicant must receive more than 100 points.
Fortier demonstrated lengthy service, becoming a Northfield firefighter in 1992 and a full-time captain with the Orange Fire Department in 2009. He also serves as an EMS liaison to Shelburne Control dispatchers and a member of the Western Massachusetts EMS Committee, just a few achievements that allowed him to receive 130 points in his initial application.
“I’ve been working toward all these items on this list for years and years and years,” Fortier said after reciting the points he received. “Working for Northfield EMS and working here in Orange, it really does help validate my efforts to help both communities.”
The accreditation, Fortier explained, does not mean he is becoming a fire chief. Rather, the Massachusetts Fire Service Commission has determined he is qualified to be one.
“This is the highest level that you can achieve in the fire services,” he said.
Given the opportunity, Fortier said he’s interested in becoming a fire chief, and said he’s thankful for all the learning opportunities he’s already had.
“I’m very appreciative for the years of service and the people I’ve interacted with over the years,” he said. “I’ve taken a lot away from the chiefs I’ve had to work with in the past … and I appreciate everyone’s support and guidance.”
Now that he is accredited, Fortier will need to renew his credentials every three years.