More Critical Vacancies Filled
April 11 - In yet another move at re-building the leadership of the department, Captain David Wood, Captain Dan Such, and Fire Inspector Brian Gilson were all promoted last week by the Hamden Board of Fire Commissioners. The three were officially sworn in this morning at 10:00 by Hamden Town Clerk Karimah Mickens in the rotunda of Hamden's Memorial Town Hall.
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| Asst. Chief Jeffrey Naples, Chief Gary Merwede, Mayor Lauren Garrett and Town Clerk Karimah Mickens - CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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"Data shows that at the current rate, 2022 will be a record year for call volume." Chief Merwede
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In opening remarks before the large crowd in the town hall rotunda, Chief Gary Merwede thanked the Hamden Board of Fire Commissioners who "graciously agreed to meet once per week for three consecutive weeks in order to meet the operational needs of the department and the longterm goals of recruiting new firefighters."
Continuing, the Chief added, "With the loss of experience in officer ranks through retirements, it is important to the safety of the public and to our members, that new leadership is promoted and assigned to positions in order to mentor and guide new firefighters as they respond to an ever increasing call volume.
"We are currently responding to an average of 31 emergencies each day, which means that many of these emergencies are taking place at the same time, requiring operational resource and tactical decision making. Data shows that at the current rate, 2022 will be a record year for call volume.
"In the area of fire prevention and community risk reduction, the Fire Marshal's Office continues to make strides in access and inspections of multifamily occupancies, places of assembly, and mixed use buildings that present the greatest threat of grievous injury or loss of life.
"Less than 10 days ago the department responded to an apartment fire, a fire that was held in check by a self-closing fire-rated steel door and the aggressive interior fire suppression effort of the first due engine company. The Fire Code and Suppression Operations working together to save the building and, more importantly, lives and homes of many Hamden residents living in the surrounding apartments."
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"This is part of an ongoing mission of our department. A mission that newly-appointed Captains Dave Wood and Dan Such and Fire Inspector Gilson believe in, and will continue to apply their skills through their new roles as they help to deliver the best possible fire presention, code enforcement, and emergency services to Hamden residents. Tomorrow (Tuesday) evening I will be asking the Legislative Council to support my request for 14.8 million dollars to fund the Hamden Fire Department, a sum which is approximately 5.3% of the overall budget, or less than 6 cents on the dollar.
"I would like to thank Mayor Garrett for her support of the fire department budget request, and for the work of her administration as promotions take place and recruitment efforts continue over the next couple of months."
Mayor Lauren Garrett began her remarks by thanking the crew members who assisted her last week during a fire training exercise in which she participated. "As you may have heard," she said, "I went to Fire-Ops last week and had an amazing time."
"I really learned a lot," she added, praising Capt. Such as a "fantastic teacher." She said she had a great time. "I learned a lot about the equipment firefighters use and the skill and the hard work that it takes for you to do your job, which is why, when I was going through the budget I made sure that you have that equipment."
Congratulating the three honorees, the Mayor concluded, "I really respect the work that you do," which was met with healthy dose of applause from those present.
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| Capt. Dan Such |
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Captain Dan Such
Dan Such was appointed to the department in 2006, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2014. He conrtinues to work toward his degree in Fire Science and has achieved certificates in both Architecture and Construction Management. He is a certified Fire Instructor and also holds many of the tech rescue certifications offered through the Connecticut Fire Academy.
Captain Such will be assigned as the house captain for Station 5, and will develop new standard operating guidelines and operational planning for our departmental responses at Sleeping Giant Park, Brooksvale, and West Rock Ridge State Park.
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| Capt. David Wood |
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Captain David Wood
Dave Wood was appointed to the department in 2006, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2016. He holds two bachelor degrees from the University of New Haven, one in Fire Science and the other in Arson Investigation. He is certified in Fire Officer I & II and also Fire Instructor, and holds many of the tech rescue certifications through the Connecticut Fire Academy. David also has been a member of the department's Safety Committee for the past 13 years, currently serving as its Secretary.
Captain Wood will be assigned to Platoon 3 at Station 3, and will oversee our Hazardous Response protocols and procedures in several different disciplines.
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| Fire Inspector Brian Gilson |
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Fire Inspector Brian Gilson
Brian Gilson is a 17-year veteran firefighter with the department. Brian served the department and our community as a paramedic for 12 years and is pursuing an Emergency Management Degree at Post University. He is also a Fire Service Instructor.
With his appointment as Fire Inspector, he is turning his professional sights of fire prevention and life safety through code enforcement, inspection, and education. He begins his certification training with the State of Connecticut next Wednesday.
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| "Do you solemnly swear . . . " Town Clerk Karimah Mickens administers the oath to all three. CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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Big brother Darren pins on Dad's badge while little brother Trevor looking on. The hugs are the icing on the cake.
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Inspector Gilson is pinned and hugged by his daughter and son, Emma and Conor. Nice way to start a new department path.
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| Chief Merwede, Asst. Chief Naples, Fire Inspector Gilson, Capt. Dan Such, Capt. Dave Wood, Mayor Garrett, and Town Clerk Mickens - CLICK TO ENLARGE |
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