Massachusetts Officer Blazes New Trail as Firefighter

PAUL LEIGHTON The Salem News, Beverly, Mass. Register Now August 20 - 1 pm(ET) Select Your State and Click: BEVERLY -- Like many kids, Mark Brewer grew up wanting to be a police officer or firefighter. Unlike most kids, his dream came true on both counts. After almost 12 years as a Beverly police officer, Brewer is now the city's newest firefighter. He was sworn in Aug. 18, making him the first person in memory -- maybe ever -- to move from the police station to the fire station. "From what I hear, no one's done it in the history of Beverly," Brewer said. "Wherever I go, talking to other departments, people stop and say, 'You did what?'" Fire Chief Richard Pierce had a similar reaction. "I'm still shocked," he said. "I've never seen it done before. But we're glad to have him." Brewer took the firefighter civil service test in... [read full story]