KEENE, NH – The Town of Swanzey has appointed a new Fire Chief.

During a special meeting on Monday the town Board of Selectmen appointed Interim Chief Eric Mattson to the role permanently. He’s served as interim chief since the beginning of the year when the town parted ways with former chief William Gould.

Mattson has been a member of the Swanzey Fire Department since 1995. He’s currently an Advanced EMT, Firefighter II, and most recently held the rank of Deputy Chief and Fire Inspector. He also previously worked for the Keene Fire Department, and holds an associate’s degree in fire science from Lakes Region Community College.

In addition to Mattson’s appointment, the town also appointed two Deputy Chiefs; Michael Burke, a retired captain/shift commander at the Keene Fire Department, and former Swanzey Fire Chief Norman Skantze.

“Chief Mattson, Assistant Chief Sanchez, and this leadership team have the support of the Selectmen to lead the Swanzey Fire Department,” Board of Selectmen Chairman Sly Karasinski said. “Our goals for the Department include increasing the on-call membership and building camaraderie between the three stations to act as one unified Swanzey Fire Department.”

Mattson, Burke, and Skantze will all be sworn in during a ceremony on April 23rd at Whitcomb Hall at 5:30.