Tom Sirard Appointed to Vacant Enfield Board of Education Seat

Tom Sirard, an Enfield Board of Education member from 2009 to 2011, was re-appointed to that board at Monday night's Town Council meeting.

A Republican vacancy exists on the board due to the recent resignation of past vice chairman Chuck Johnson. The town charter calls for a replacement to be designated by the council.

"I am experienced, and can provide proven skills to the smooth, continued functioning of the BOE," Sirard wrote in his application for the post. "I am a dedicated, compassionate volunteer in town. I remain willing to serve and have earned the trust and respect of many of Enfield's residents."

In an email to Enfield Patch Monday evening, Sirard wrote, "I am both honored and humbled to be appointed to the vacancy on the BOE. A number of really good people interviewed for the position and I am thankful for the continued faith that my friends and neighbors have in me. I promise to do my best to show that the faith they have in me is not misplaced and to continue to earn the people's trust as a steward for education in Enfield."

Sirard served as Finance Chairman during his prior tenure on the board. He ran for re-election in 2011, but narrowly lost his seat to fellow Republican Kevin Fealy.

He has twice run for the 58th House District seat, losing to Democratic incumbent Kathy Tallarita in 2010 and to Democrat David Alexander in 2012.

A graduate of Cathedral High School in Springfield, Sirard graduated from the Naval Nuclear Power School in 1986 and served eight years in the Navy. He spent six years on the USS Boston, a nuclear powered fast attack submarine, where he earned four medals, including the Navy Expeditionary Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Meritorious Unit Citation, as well as many other decorations and citations. He was honorably discharged as a Second Class Petty Officer and studied at STCC after his discharge.

He is married with two young sons, and is the director of DOS Concrete Pumping in Easthampton, MA.