January 2, 2006

Dep. Chief Shawn Mulcahy and Capt. Mary Reed of Barnstead Fire-Rescue, Inc. are recent graduates of the Local Government Leadership Institute. Presented annually in partnership by New Hampshire Local Government Center (LGC) Property-Liability Trust and Antioch New England Institute, the two-part certification program is designed for New Hampshire’s local government administrators, managers, and supervisors. Curricula is presented in two levels that explore basic management and supervision issues as they apply to municipal government plus more complex principals of municipal government leadership and supervision.

Participants include municipal managers and supervisors as well as those preparing for these roles. Successful completion of each six-part level earns a certificate from Antioch New England Institute and up to 36 contact hours of continuing education units.

"The Local Government Leadership Institute provides an outstanding opportunity to enhance individual knowledge and perspective on topics that impact us each day and to learn from experts in the fields of leadership, personnel issues, management, organizational behaviors and ethics," says Sandal Keeffe, LGC’s Deputy Director and Chief Financial Officer. "Participants leave with information they can use again and again plus have the chance to earn college credit."

Dep. Chief Shawn Mulcahy has been actively serving his community in the fire service since 1975. After serving as Fire Chief of Center Barnstead Fire Department, Inc. for nine years, he was elected to the position of Deputy Chief in 1996 when Barnstead Parade Fire Company No. 1, Barnstead Rescue, Inc. and Center Barnstead Fire Department, Inc. merged to form Barnstead Fire-Rescue, Inc. Dep. Chief Mulcahy is certified at Fire Fighter Level 1 and also holds the responsibility of Deputy Forest Fire Warden. His is visible at the annual District Meetings where he works in conjunction with the NH Office of the State Fire Marshal and school officials to insure that all Life Safety codes are met. Dep. Chief Mulcahy serves as the Department mechanic and typically logs in over 100 volunteer hours each month between administrative responsibilities, responding to emergencies, and performing mechanical maintenance. He has overseen the building of two tanker trucks and two forestry trucks, and the rebuilding of two pumper engines. Most recently, he has worked diligently to bring a used 75’ aerial truck into service, saving thousands of tax-payer dollars in the operating budget. In looking at the challenges that face the fire service and the Department, Dep. Chief Mulcahy recognizes the decrease in availability of members and its’ potential effect on the department and call response.

Capt. Mary Reed joined Barnstead Fire-Rescue, Inc. in 2001 as a per-diem Firefighter/EMT and was promoted to the position of Captain upon becoming a full-time staff member of the department in 2002. She is certified as an EMT-Intermediate and as a Certified Career Firefighter. Capt. Reed has been active in the fire and emergency medical services since 1997.