Names in the News: July 25, 2021

MYSTEE DALE became the first-ever female firefighter in the history of the Hattiesburg (MS) Fire Department (HFD) after graduating from the city’s fire academy on July 16. Born in Laurel, she applied for the academy in Spring 2021, becoming one of 12 new hires for the HFD. A graduate of Choctaw Central High School, Dale also played college basketball for East Central Community College and the University of West Alabama. 

MICHAEL MCMAHON was sworn in as the new chief of Hampton (NH) Fire/Rescue (HFR). He is a 25-year HFR veteran and succeeds previous chief Jameson Ayotte, who resigned in May. McMahon joined the HFD in May 1996 and has served as a firefighter, paramedic, lieutenant, captain, and acting deputy chief before being named acting chief. McMahon has extensive volunteer community service with many local nonprofits and is enrolled in the executive fire officer program at the National Fire Academy.

BRIAN KNAPP was named the new chief of the Oneonta (NY) Fire Department (OFD) after a unanimous vote by the town’s Common Council on July 20. Knapp takes over the position from J. Michael Mancini, who was appointed acting chief in February after the retirement of previous OFD Chief Patrick Pidgeon. Knapp, who was appointed as OFD assistant chief several weeks ago, has spent 17 years with the department. He was a part-time firefighter for two years, beginning in 2004, and was hired full-time in 2006.

AUSTIN ANTRIM was sworn in as the new full-time chief of the Nahant (MA) Fire Department (NFD). Antrim becomes the first full-time NFD chief in two years because of previous budget cuts. He takes over the position from Dean Palumbo, who retired after serving with the NFD for 33 years. Antrim said his main initial focus will be to hire a full-time firefighter as well as new on-call firefighters.

MICHAEL LUGO was named the new chief of the League City (TX) Fire Department (LCFD) after a nationwide search. Lugo was most recently the assistant chief of Denton County (TX) Emergency Services District (DCESD) No. 1 in Argyle. He will replace previous LCFD Chief Gary Warren, who retires in August. Lugo is a 15-year fire service veteran and has served as a firefighter, paramedic, EMS captain, and fire marshal. For the past eight years, he has been the DCESD No. 1’s operations chief, fire prevention chief officer, and training chief.