The Chief continued, reporting that Mayor Garrett and the Hamden Legislative Council recently approved the department's capital budget budget for over $1.6 million for two new apparatus, fleet vehicles, station domestic improvements and ASHER gear. It is the first capital budget the fire department has had since 2019, which provides an opportunity to replace tired apparatus, provide better living situations within our fire stations, as well as much needed safety equipment for our firefighters.
Acting Chief Naples also recognized the efforts of the department's personnel who have "worked beyond their normal capacity, filling in many vacancies that have been left from recent retirements. Their efforts are not overlooked and are beyond appreciated, continuing to ensuring our missioin never fails."
Following these preliminary remarks, Chief Naples noted that on July 28th the Board of Fire Commissioners appointed six new entry level firefighters, five of whom begin their recruit training this week at the Connecticut Fire Academy. The sixth appointee, Sam Guttman, was previously certified and will begin his service today.
Firedfighter Guttman is a United States Marine Corps veteran, who served as a combat engineer at the rank of sergeant in multiple deployments. He possesses an array of skill sets from heavy equipment and transportation operator to rope rescue technician, which he received while attending the Mountain Warfare Training Center. In addition, Guttman participated in humanitarian relief operations in Puerto Rico after Hurricanes Maria and Irma devestated the island. While in the Marines, Sam was assigned as a team leader and was recognized for outstanding leadership.
Returnng to civilian life, Ff. Guttman continued his education and became a certified EMT while working with American Medical Response in Bridgeport. More recently, he was employed as a firefighter for the Town of Wilton, where he acquired his recruit and pump operator certifications.
