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FAIRFIELD, Conn. – The Fairfield Fire Department handed out seven promotions Tuesday night, naming two new assistant chiefs and five new lieutenants.
“I’m very excited about these promotions," Fire Chief Richard Felner said Tuesday. "We have a lot of young talent and we’re looking forward to moving ahead.”
Lts. Schuyler Sherwood and Erik Kalapir moved up to Assistant Chief, and Firefighters Dennis Eannotti, Jim Shiller, Jay Swindon, Jeff Edmondson and Bob Smith were promoted to lieutenant. All seven will take their new offices Friday.
Promotions within the fire department caused controversy recently, when it was discovered that several firefighters had retired days after taking provisional promotions. The moves allowed the retirees to collect higher pensions from the town at the rate of their temporary positions.
The seven promotions announced Tuesday, however, were permanent appointments determined by a month-long testing process. With tests complete and a merit-based list in place, the Fairfield Fire Commission said it expects more stability in its officer spots.
“Our promotional process is very thorough, and my goal is that my firefighters get home after every shift and all our citizens are safe,” Felner added. “Like it says on our trucks, our family is here to serve your family.”
Comments (3)
Loads of Liutenants, Captains, Battalion Commanders, Chiefs, Assistant Chiefs, Shift Commanders. How many Divisions do us Taxpayers have? De we have Brigade & Division Commanders ? ? ? I have a need to know !