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Former Norwalk Chief Takes Over Leadership Of Fairfield Fire Department

FAIRFIELD, Conn. — A longtime Fairfield resident was sworn in as fire chief during a ceremony in the bays of the Fairfield Fire Department headquarters Thursday afternoon.

First Selectman Mike Tetreau swears in new Fairfield Fire Chief Denis McCarthy on Thursday.

First Selectman Mike Tetreau swears in new Fairfield Fire Chief Denis McCarthy on Thursday.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
Denis McCarthy talks with state Sen. Tony Hwang during his swearing-in ceremony Thursday as the new fire chief in Fairfield.

Denis McCarthy talks with state Sen. Tony Hwang during his swearing-in ceremony Thursday as the new fire chief in Fairfield.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky
Denis McCarthy stands alongside Richard Felner, who has served as Fairfield’s fire chief since 1998, during McCarthy's swearing-in ceremony Thursday.

Denis McCarthy stands alongside Richard Felner, who has served as Fairfield’s fire chief since 1998, during McCarthy's swearing-in ceremony Thursday.

Photo Credit: Jay Polansky

“I’m honored to have been selected to lead this department,” Denis McCarthy told a crowd Thursday gathered in a space normally occupied by fire engines and apparatus. 

McCarthy — who has now led fire departments in three Connecticut towns — thanked his friends and family for attending the ceremony and for their support over the years.

“Anybody who puts on a uniform knows how important family is,” McCarthy said. “ I’m grateful for the support that (my family has) given me over the past 37 years in the fire service.”

McCarthy replaces 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.

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.

The Daily Voice previously reported that McCarthy was a finalist for the Fairfield fire chief position in July. He was appointed by the Fairfield Fire Commission in a unanimous vote.

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