The Methuen City Council on July 7 approved a slate of public-safety appointments, confirming David Toto as the next fire chief and voting to promote three police officers to permanent command and supervisory ranks.

The council voted to appoint David Toto, a 25-year fire department veteran and local resident, as fire chief. Chief McNamara introduced Toto’s background to the council, noting his service as deputy chief, his degrees in fire science and physical education, and his work as a registered nurse at Holy Family Hospital. “Dave's expertise and experience and excellence will make him a fine chief,” Chief McNamara said. The motion to appoint Toto was made by Councilor Cirillo and seconded by Councilor Saffi; the council recorded the vote as unanimous.

Toto addressed the council after the vote and thanked Mayor Beauregard and council members: “It is truly an honor to lead the incredible men and women of the Methuen Fire Department and to serve this great city. I will not let you down.” He also recognized outgoing Chief T.P. Youman (referred to by Toto as T. P.) for his leadership.

On the police side, the council unanimously approved several promotions recommended by Chief McNamara. Captain James Moore was recommended for permanent promotion to police captain and was described in the record as the number one candidate on the Massachusetts civil-service list; Chief McNamara read Moore’s lengthy service record and training credentials into the meeting record. The council also approved Lieutenant Sean Moore’s promotion to permanent lieutenant and Matthew Tarnas’s promotion to permanent sergeant. Each of the promotions was introduced with a formal recommendation from Chief McNamara and approved on voice votes recorded as unanimous.

During the appointments, several councilors and presenters emphasized civil-service compliance and merit-based promotion processes. Chief McNamara explained tie-breaking procedures for civil-service list ties and noted that seniority and experience guided decisions where scores were equal. Councilors also asked clarifying questions about the selection process for specific promotions.

The votes concluded a round of personnel actions that the mayor and department heads framed as strengthening public-safety leadership in Methuen for the coming year.