COVID-Scuttled For 3 Years, Firefighter Oaths, Promotions Celebrated

EAST HAVEN, CT — Some East Haven firefighters, those who took the oath after the March 2020 start of the pandemic, missed out on a ceremony where they'd be officially sworn and receive their East Haven Fire Department badges. Monday, they, the newest recruits and firefighters who'd been promoted since March 2020 were officially welcomed into the department, and others were officially and ceremoniously promoted.

East Haven Fire Department Chief Matthew Marcarelli said the event at Joseph Melillo Middle School was a celebration "of some of our most dedicated and committed firefighters who have served our community with distinction and have pursued leadership roles in the department." Some have been in their roles for some time but were not recognized in a ceremony, scuttled like so much else, during the pandemic.

Chris Rosa was promoted to Assistant Chief, Battalion Chief Chris Guilfoil and Andrew Calhoun to Battalion Chief, and Michael Cieplak and Robert Black to Captain.

"All have been dedicated members of the department and professionals in their tradecraft, the promotions are the result of a competitive process that is the fruit born of hours of training, preparation, and timing," Marcarelli said.

"These are promotions that are well deserved but more importantly earned through hard work, training, education, and experience. There is a saying in the fire service, 'You can have 20 years experience in five years or five years experience in 20.' I prefer the former and if you think staying locked in your office is what a fire service leader is supposed to do rather than taking an active role being engaged in the daily life of your shift, you are in the wrong position. We demand excellence and the town you are sworn to serve expects that you have are prepared every day. They call you at the worst times in their life, and expect when you arrive, you will have the answers. We are sworn to problem-solve and as leaders you are expected to formulate that plan. I want to personally congratulate each one of you for your hard work, dedication, and service to our department and community."

Marcarelli noted that their qualifications are "strikingly superior" to those required of other departments as the East Haven Fire Department "hold our personnel to the highest standard." Captains are required to be certified to the Fire Officer II level of certification and Battalion Chiefs to the Fire Officer III certification. These certifications are a role model and are objectively superior to departments around us.

Read more about EHFD training here: Firefighters Train At Quality Inn Motel Before Its Fully Demolished

Also, Monday, the oath was taken by recently named East Haven Fire Inspector Jen Forslund.

Formerly the New Haven Deputy Fire Marshal, Marcarelli said here "resume and experience are objectively staggering and the value she brings to the Office of the Fire Marshal is unmatched, nobody could hold a candle to her."

Read more about Forslund here.

The 18 firefighters hired during the pandemic never had a formal ceremony

"This is a remarkable achievement, given the challenges that the pandemic presented, and I want to commend the firefighters for their service to our department and community," Marcarelli said. "COVID-19 is behind us, we wanted to make sure we had a special ceremony for you and your families to celebrate."

And Marcarelli went further adding that it was important to "take a moment to recognize and honor the members of the department who served from the beginning of the pandemic through May 11, 2023."

"These individuals both career and volunteer have shown great courage and dedication in the face of adversity, and we owe them a debt of gratitude for their unwavering commitment to keeping our community safe," he said.

Here are the firefighters who joined the department after the beginning of the pandemic and ceremoniously took the path Monday.

Tyler Ross, Joseph Benzi, Tesla Kaul, Davis Boyd, David Gomez-Colon, Kyle Kosiorowski, Iain Lemaster, Michael Rak, Nicholas Demetriades, Eric Hallstrom, Christopher Hughes, Joshua Leary, Daniel Mesner, David Pearson, Tanner DiVito, Alec DiVito, Jake Puciato and Harrison Newman.

Following the oaths taken, Marcarelli took the opportunity to thank East Haven Mayor Joseph A. Carfora, members of the East Haven Town Council, and the Board of Fire Commissioners for "their continued support of our department."

"We could not do what we do without your guidance, leadership, and support," he said, noting that since Carfora has been in office, the East Haven Fire Department has "seen the first staffing increase in over 40 years." It's also seen the replacement of parts of an aging fleet, a new radio system, protective equipment, and systems put in place to prevent occupational cancers among many other initiatives.

And, Marcarelli said that last week, he presented the proposed $2.5 million Foxon fire station expansion project to Carfora who "powerfully supported the project to the Board of Finance, and soon we will present this much needed public safety project to the East Haven Town Council."

Marcarelli closed the ceremony by congratulating promoted officers and newly hired firefighters for their "dedication and commitment to our department and community."

"Your hard work, sacrifice, and dedication are deeply appreciated, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside you in service to our community," Marcarelli said.

"I am honored to be your chief, and I am committed to provide you the leadership needed to make excellent firefighters providing outstanding service to the community and ensure that someday, many years from now," he predicted, "One of you will be able to fill the role of Fire Chief."