Fire Chief Toto & 5 firefighters take oath, receive pins

Over 100 family members, co-workers and friends attended the official pinning ceremony of Methuen Fire Department Chief David Toto along with five firefighters who received promotions. The ceremony, held at The Irish Cottage, was arranged by retired Chief Tim Sheehy while Deputy Chiefs Dan Donahue and Mike Fluet led the ceremony.

City Clerk Anne Drouin swore in each member.

Chief Toto – proudly pinned by his wife Kristy with his children Cassidy and Cameron by his side – brings more than 25 years of progressive fire service experience and proven leadership to his new role with MFD.

Known across the department for his calm demeanor under pressure, strong commitment to community engagement and the ability to build trust with union and non-union personnel, Toto is deeply respected for fostering a culture of safety, professionalism and continuous improvement. He started his career as a Firefighter/EMT, later serving as lieutenant (2010-2017) and deputy chief (since 2017).

A dual-service professional, Toto has simultaneously maintained an active career as a registered nurse in the Operation Room at Holy Family (now Methuen Health) since 2011. MFD leaders agree that his unique combination of advanced medical expertise and frontline firefighting experience give him an exceptional understanding of pre-hospital and trauma care, enabling him to lead with both tactical precision and clinical insight.

“Today is not just about one set of bugles; it’s about the next generation of leaders stepping up right alongside of me,” Toto told the crowd. “We have five outstanding and deeply respected brothers and sisters who have earned their promotions and the trust of me and every member of this department. I ask you to lead with courage, lead with kindness and never forget that the people behind you have your back just as you have had theirs.

“I am honored beyond words that you have placed your confidence in me,” he continued. “We are a team, every rank, every station, every shift. We succeed and we fail together. No one person wins the fire, no one person saves a life; we do it as a crew, shoulder to shoulder with one common goal: that everyone goes home.

“To the officers of this department, I challenge you to lead by example, lead like people’s lives depend on it, because they do,” he concluded. “Lead with humility and strength, be a standard that others want to follow. This badge is heavy, but I do not carry it alone. I carry it with every one of you.”

These MFD members have moved up in the ranks.

*John Blais, promoted to lieutenant, was pinned by his 10-year-old son Brody who then collapsed in his dad’s arms with a giant hug. A member of MFD for 12 years, Blais has served on Engine 3 at the West End Station. Blais has worked on every piece of apparatus during his career. He brings his unique skills as a U.S. Coast Guard certified captain and Merchant Marine mariner, assisting in the training on MFD’s public safety boat.

*Cooper Brown, promoted to lieutenant, was pinned by his wife Jenna. Brown is a nine-year veteran of MFD and had served as acting lieutenant on Engine 3 at the West End Station and is also a licensed paramedic. His record includes Firefighter I/II, Fire Officer I and II, Fire Instructor I and II, certified Hazardous Materials Technician, Incident Safety Officer and Public Fire Life Safety Educator. Brown has served in the Honor Guard.

*Jeffery Slattery, promoted to deputy chief, was pinned by his daughters Ashley and Jamie and his 1½-year-old granddaughter Coralie. A 27-year veteran of MFD, Slattery is serving in the Fire Prevention Division. He is a lifelong resident of Methuen, where MFD leaders say he has demonstrated his commitment to public safety, leadership and community service. He was hired as a reserve member of the department in 1995, just one week after the Malden Mills fire.

*Richard Talbot, promoted to captain, was pinned by his daughter Alexxis. Talbot is a 22-year member of MFD, the last six as lieutenant on Engine 5 at the East End Station. According to MFD, he is one of the most respected leaders in the department with the education and experience to manage any situations he has encountered. He holds certifications as Fire Prevention Officer I, Fire Basic Plan Review, HazMat Operations Level and OSHA 30-hour Safety Certification, set him on the clear path to captain in Fire Prevention. He served as vice president of Local Union 1691 for seven years.

*Susan Vallera, promoted to captain, was proudly pinned by her brother Peter. A 21-year MFD veteran serving the last six years as lieutenant on Engine 3 at the West End Station, she is a well-respected leader with a passion for fire service and all that it stands for, both in handling emergencies and community involvement. She holds several certifications including Fire Officer I, Fire Instructor I, Incident Safety Officer as well as Public Fire and Life Safety Educator in addition to the numerous training and professional development classes.