Hamden Fire Retirees Association, Inc.

Kicking off the swearing-in ceremony, Chief Gary Merwede welcomed the large crowd, which included chief officers and other members of the surroundiung departments of Cheshire, North Haven, East Haven, New Haven, and Branford, as well as retired Hamden Capt. Hugh O'Callaghan, who retired from Hamden in 2019 to become Asst. Chief of the West Hartford Fire Department.  It was Callaghan's captain's vacancy that Naples filled in May 2019.

 

The Chief also acknowledged with praise current Local 2687 President Dave Beaton, whom he characterized as "a tireless champion on behalf of his members," noting further that he appreciated Beaton's leadership.

 

Regarding Asst. Chief Naples' new career path, Chief Merwede offered a somewhat cautionary note, "In January 2014 I was sworn in to the position of Assistant Fire Chief under retired Chief David Berardesca . . . Having stood in the same position as Jeff now stands, I knew there would be challenges.  I did not know there would be two tornadoes, a hurricane, several multiple-alarm fires, and a two-year long worldwide pandemic.

 

"The point is not that large impact events will conrtinually challenge the Hamden Fire Department - because they udoubtedly will.  The point is that the officers and members of our department will always rise to the occasion and that is why I am continually thankful for their service.  I know you are as well."

 

Naples' career and academic accomplishments will serve him and the department well.  "[He] has been preparing himself for this department-wide leadership opportunity for years.  He has committed himself to a process of life-long learning, a path that led him initially to become an educator in North Haven Public Schools, where he taught Science."

The Chief continued, "After going all-in on a career in the professional fire service, changing jobs and joining the department in 2006, Jeff pursued and achieved a Master of Science degree in Emergency Management from the University of New Haven.  He is a certified Fire Officer, Fire Instructor, Incident and Health & Safety Officer, and recently completed Command and Control of Incident Operations and the U.S. Fire Academy."

 

Introducing the Mayor, the Chief remarked, "As Chief of the Department, I am proud of the quality of internal fire officer candidates that Mayor Garrett considered through her interview process for assistant chief.  Growing credible leadership and succession planning is the goal of every chief officer, and I'd be remiss if I did not thank Mayor Garrett for her thoughtful consideration and this appointment."

  

Only four months into her administration, Mayor Lauren Garrett has already witnessed the swearing-in of four firefighter-paramedics, two lieutenants, four captains, one battalion chief, and now the assistant fire chief.

 

Mayor Lauren Garrett's appointment of Naples to this critical department position demonstrates once again that an all-out effort to improve one's knowledge, skills, and abilities, coupled with years of practical leadership experience, is the key to advancing the fire department.

Following the oath, Asst. Chief Naples addressed the crowd by thanking Mayor Garrett, Chief Merwede, his parents and the rest of his family, and by praising his fellow Hamden firefighters.

 

"The Hamden Fire Department is comprised of some of the most talented, dedicated firefighters this nation has to offer.  The backbone of our profession is community service, pride, teamwork, and the ability to help others in times of dire need.  Our members exemplify these traits in every aspect of their lives.   As a team it takes all of us to work together to ensure that we will continue to provide the safety for those that we serve.

"Many recent retirements have left voids in our officer and senior firefighter ranks along with the wisdom and experience that is difficult to replace.  But I am confident, though, that through the motivated, educated, and enthusiastic new officers and leaderships that we will rise up stronger and better prepared for the future of the fire service."

 

"Now is a critical time to empower our future leaders with the knowledge, the resources, and the equipment to succeed and continuously foster high-performing crews.

 

"I look forward to the opportunity to support Chief Merwede and to continue to move the department forward, taking a proactive approach   I plan to build relationships and bonds with our stake holders, creating awareness and opening up opportunities.

 

"The role of assistant fire chief is not about me, but about the firefighters that I work along side of, the 60,000+ citizens that call Hamden home, and the thousands of commuters who travel through our town daily.  It's returning everyone home to their families at the end of their tour, ensuring the safety of our community through a compassionate and professional service.

 

"I will represent the Town of Hamden in the most professional and responsive manner while continuing to remain humble and dedicated to our mission."

The members of the Hamden Fire Retirees Association wish Asst. Chief Naples all the very best in his new role in the leadership of the Department.  Good luck, Chief!