Guilford Names New Assistant Fire Chief

GUILFORD, CT — The Guilford Board of Fire Commissioners announced the promotion of Captain Michael Shove, of Clinton, to the position of Assistant Chief of Operations, effective February 13.

Approved as well by the Guilford Board of Selectmen, Shove fills the position vacated by Wayne Vetre who retired after fifteen years to become the Fire Chief of Wells, Maine. Captain Shove has been a career Firefighter/Emergency Medical Technician since 2002, rising to the rank of Captain in 2007.

Prior to becoming a career Firefighter he served as a Guilford Volunteer Firefighter for eight years. In addition to his firefighting experience, Captain Shove has also served in the United States Coast Guard Reserves for the past 17 years and presently holds the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer.

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Shove has completed numerous firefighting programs and is certified as a Medical Technician; Fire Officer II; Licensed Boat Captain; CT. Fire Marshal and CPR and First Aid Instructor, among others. He has received numerous Awards and Honors in both the Fire Service and Coast Guard, and has participated and volunteered in numerous community service activities.

“Michael Shove has prepared himself for his new appointment. He has a vision for the Department and what he wants to accomplish in the years to come as Assistant Chief. In fourteen years with the Guilford Fire Department he has accepted numerous assignments and been successful at all levels. He is a professional Firefighter who has instructed and mentored many career, volunteer and fire explorers throughout his career. I look forward to working with Captain Shove in his new role and I am confident the Fire Commission made an excellent selection:” said Fire Chief/Fire Marshal Charles Herrschaft in a statement.

Fire Commission Chairman Kenneth Wilson added in a news release, “The Guilford Fire Department is fortunate to have developed a qualified leader for the position of Assistant Chief of Operations. The new Assistant Chief is assuming the second in command role and responsibilities. He will be responsible for directing the Department in its day-to-day operations and guiding it in to the future. Captain Shove’s education, experience and training have prepared him for the tasks that he will face and to be successful with the challenges he will encounter. The Fire Commission is excited to work with the new addition of Captain Shove and the administrative team going forward.”

The 38 year old Shove is married with two children, and lives in Clinton.