SHARE

Longtime Fairfield Resident Takes The Helm At Fire Department

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — A longtime Fairfield resident, who has been working as the fire chief for Norwalk for the past decade, has been named to the top job in Fairfield.

Norwalk Fire Chief Denis McCarthy is taking the helm of the Fairfield Fire Department as chief. In this file photo, Norwalk Fire Chief Denis McCarthy and other officials gather at the commissioning of the Robert Bedell in Norwalk.

Norwalk Fire Chief Denis McCarthy is taking the helm of the Fairfield Fire Department as chief. In this file photo, Norwalk Fire Chief Denis McCarthy and other officials gather at the commissioning of the Robert Bedell in Norwalk.

Photo Credit: Casey Donahue, File

Denis McCarthy, who was appointed by the Fairfield Fire Commission in a unanimous vote, will begin his new role Oct. 1, according to a statement from First Selectman Mike Tetreau’s office.

“I am thrilled the Fire Commission has chosen Denis McCarthy to serve as Fairfield’s next fire chief,” Tetreau said. “As a current and former fire chief of two nearby communities and a longtime Fairfield resident, Chief McCarthy brings a wealth of experience to this important position and is a progressive and energetic public servant who anticipates the changing demands in our public safety sector.”

McCarthy will replace Richard Felner, who has served as the town’s fire chief since 1998. Felner joined the Fairfield Fire Department in 1959 and rose through the ranks of lieutenant and captain before becoming chief.

During his time as fire chief and emergency management director in Norwalk, McCarthy updated the professional standards of the staff, created a fire rescue marine unit, and led the construction of a new LEED Gold Fire Headquarters and Emergency Operations Center in that city, according to the statement.

McCarthy also spearheaded the development of a school safety plan for the Norwalk public school system and one for Norwalk City Hall.

In 2006, McCarthy was recognized as the Connecticut Emergency Manager of the Year. Before taking the helm of the Norwalk Fire Department, McCarthy served 27 years in the Westport Fire Department, where he also rose to the rank of fire chief.

As McCarthy prepares to leave the Norwalk Fire Department to start the next chapter in his career, he expressed confidence in his old department to complete the projects started when he was chief.

“While many critical projects are already in progress and more are in their early stages, I am confident my leadership team will work together to bring these to completion and create an even stronger Department in the years ahead,” McCarthy said in a statement. “A strong team will not suffer the loss of one member, even the chief. I am proud of the legacy and department I am leaving behind and look forward to the journey ahead.”

The Daily Voice previously reported that McCarthy was a finalist for the Fairfield fire chief position in July.

to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE