1st Woman To Join Fairfield Fire Department In 25 Years Sworn In

FAIRFIELD, CT — A crop of new firefighters recently joined the Fairfield Fire Department, and among them was the first woman to take the oath of office in more than 25 years.

Caitlin Clarkson Pereira was sworn in Wednesday, along with Michael Canil, Christopher Darrow, Luke Hawthorne and Mathew Rowan, according to First Selectwoman Brenda Kupchick, who said Erik Preteska was also promoted to lieutenant.

“I was particularly proud to swear in the first woman to serve in the Fairfield Fire Department in over 25 years,” Kupchick said in a Facebook post.

In recent years, Pereira also ran for state representative, then sued the state and won, paving the way for campaign funds to pay for child care, according to News 12, which reported that Pereira said she tries to lead by example for her young daughter.

The fire department intends to add another woman to its roster in February, News 12 reported.