Acting Fire Chief Announced In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — Deputy Fire Chief Gary Merwede has been appointed the Acting Fire Chief in Hamden, Mayor Curt Balzano Leng announced on Friday. The appointment is effective as of Oct. 12 as a result of the retirement of Chief David Berardesca, who served as Hamden Fire Chief for 12 years from 2006 through 2018.

Merwede has served as a member of the Hamden Fire Department since 1994, and began his previous role as Deputy Chief in 2014. He started his career as a Volunteer Firefighter in 1987, before transitioning to a career as Firefighter/EMT from 1994-2004. In 2004, Merwede was promoted to Lieutenant and also served the Fire Department in other capacities such as Public Information Officer (2014), and holds certifications as a Fire Code Enforcement Officer and Fire Investigator.

“I am pleased to announce that I have appointed Deputy Fire Chief Gary Merwede as Hamden’s Acting Fire Chief & Director of the Office of Emergency Management, effective noon today,” Leng said. “The work ethic and personal integrity demonstrated by Chief Merwede throughout his career in the Fire Department is exemplary. Further, his experience will allow for a seamless transition, as we wish former Fire Chief Berardesca all the very best with his retirement”

Merwede holds numerous emergency response and rescue certifications from the State of Connecticut, US Fire Administration, and FEMA. He has been a member of the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF), the Uniformed Professional Fire Fighters of Connecticut (UPFA), the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Connecticut Fire Marshal’s Association, and the International Association of Arson Investigators, amongst other organizations not listed. His experience and expertise in the field of emergency response and management is particularly extensive and well suited for the needs of Hamden’s constituents, according to Leng.