Ring of relief

As firefighters clear scene, praise for well-trained, organized force starts at top

On the Waters River, across from the scene of the fiery blast that had ripped through Danversport, James P. Tutko proclaimed himself the "proudest fire chief in the nation."

He praised the more than 100 firefighters from Danvers and beyond who responded to the explosion at an ink and paint factory on the day before Thanksgiving. Then Kevin P. Farrell , his deputy chief, gave the "all-out" signal, signifying the end of the job for firefighters. "It was the best two bells I heard in a long time," said Tutko, a 35-year veteran of the Danvers force.

Wednesday's announcement came exactly a week after the Nov. 22 explosion. It capped a hectic stretch for Tutko and his 50-member department, who worked on the scene around the clock. Against the odds, nobody died or was seriously injured in the blast that damaged at least 70 homes and businesses, and left at least nine facing demolition.

"Over the course of eight days, nobody on the scene was injured," said Tutko, 57, his eyes moist. "Our Fire Department melded seamlessly with the state and federal officials. The professionals, the bravery and the compassion my department showed, from day one, from minute one, to the conclusion of fire operations, was exemplary. It was more than anyone could ever expect. As the guy in charge of it, it just blew me away."

The aftermath of the explosion -- the biggest fire in recent Danvers history -- was not free of controversy. Arson investigators, led by state Fire Marshal Steve Coan , got into a heated battle with representatives of the federal Chemical Safety Board. A truce has since been called, with the board given full access to the site and evidence to prepare a report for Congress once the initial criminal investigation process ran its course.

Tutko didn't welcome the attention, but makes no apologies for standing his ground. "I was doing what I am sworn to do," he said. "The CSB was given access to the site, but not on their terms."

Town Manager Wayne P. Marquis praised the work of Tutko, whom he appointed fire chief 15 years ago this month.

"It's been an emotional week," Marquis said Thursday, before giving his last public briefing to residents and reporters on the explosion . "But the Fire Department performed exceptionally well. That's a tribute to Jim. It doesn't happen by accident that a department is well-trained and well-versed in what needs to be done during a major incident like this."

Residents -- many of whom face months living in hotels, apartments and elsewhere while their homes are repaired or rebuilt -- agree.

"The firemen did such a great job. They were well organized from the get-go," said Darryl Parker , a resident of Riverside Street, who returned to his home last Sunday. "The fact that they were able to perform so well is a reflection on its leaders."

Tutko -- the fourth Danvers fire chief appointed since 1925 -- is quick to deflect any kudos. "I'm doing my job," he said, walking past boarded-up homes on Riverside Street. "My guys did their jobs. That's what we get paid for."

Still, he feels a special kinship with residents of heavily damaged Riverside and Bates streets. Tutko and his wife, Brenda, bought their first home at 35 Bates St., at the corner of Riverside. The Tutkos -- who now live across town -- have three grown children: Erica, 27, Jim, 25, and Hillary, 22.

"The people here are hard working," said Tutko, who moved 12 years ago. "Families here go back 100 years. To see their homes boarded up is heartbreaking."

Tutko has deep Danvers roots. A grandson of Polish immigrants, he grew up on a 16-acre family farm on Ash Street. Tutko Farm -- owned by his father, Henry, and an uncle, John -- grew tomatoes, lettuce, beats and radishes. They farmed 16 acres at the historic Rebecca Nourse Homestead, and ran four greenhouses.

As young as age 6, Tutko pulled weeds, and when he got older, he drove tractors and other farm equipment. "It was a great way to grow up," said Tutko, who still loves to putter around his backyard. "I certainly learned a lot about land, maintenance . . . It gave me a good background."

Tutko Farm was sold in 1971 to a developer. The Danvers Police Station and part of Liberty Tree Mall now stand on the land. By then, Tutko had already headed off to Merrimack College, where he earned a degree in biology, with a minor in teaching.

Teaching jobs were scarce by the time he graduated in 1971. "On a whim," Tutko said, "I took the Fire Department exam." He graduated from college on May 30, and the next day reported for duty on Engine 1, at the old fire headquarters in Danvers Square. He joined his older brother Tommy, who retired five years ago.

"The job was exciting. I was drawn to the cama ra derie , the teamwork, and helping people. It all jelled for me."

Once on the job, Tutko plotted his career path. He earned an associate degree in fire science from North Shore Community College. He was promoted to lieutenant, and then captain, before hurdling two ranks to chief. He was sworn in on Dec. 16, 1991.

"That was quite a jump," said Marquis. "But Jim handled it with maturity, and a steady hand."

As chief, Tutko has overseen the consolidation of two stations and construction of a new fire headquarters, and is a big proponent of regional planning among North Shore departments.

"I think I've always been forward thinking," Tutko said. "As a young guy, coming up, I always wanted to be part of the decision making. I felt the only way to do that was move up the Fire Department ladder."

Kathy McCabe can be reached at kmccabe@globe.com.