Hamden Fire Chief Merwede Retires After Nearly 30 Years Of Service

HAMDEN, CT — Fire Chief Gary Merwede retired Friday after serving the Hamden Fire Department for more than 28 years, beginning as a volunteer and working his way up to lead the department.

“Chief Merwede has left a tremendous mark on Hamden’s Fire Department and has guided them through challenging times,” officials wrote in a news release.

Mayor Lauren Garrett “wishes to extend sincere gratitude and appreciation to Chief Merwede for his decades of dedicated work and commitment to the Town of Hamden,” the news release states.

“Chief Merwede has served the Town of Hamden for nearly 3 decades with integrity and impeccable work ethic,” Garrett said. “He has built a foundation of professionalism in our fire service, detailed departmental budgeting, and safety improvements that will serve as a legacy for years to come. The Chief has been our rudder through tornadoes, hurricanes, tropical storms, and a global pandemic. As emergency management director, his steadfast approach has saved lives and helped us all to recover with confidence.

“Over the last year, Chief Merwede has built a bench of qualified and capable leaders. The Hamden Fire Department will continue to serve Hamden with professionalism, integrity, and compassion through his leadership and example. Congratulations Chief, please enjoy a well-earned retirement.”

Commenting on his career with the Hamden Fire Department, Merwede said, “I have been blessed to work for a department that protects the town where I grew up and raised my family, a department with an excellent reputation and hardworking dedicated firefighters and fire officers. It is every leader’s hope that their tenure will be well regarded by history. I can say that if I have measured up to the challenge in the minds of some it is only because I have had the benefit of working for and with the best and the brightest in the professional fire service.

“I also would like to thank each Department Head for their cooperation and collegial atmosphere that I have been a part of during my time as Fire Chief. Hamden has talented and dedicated people working in the public’s interest and I appreciate their hard work and willingness to partner with the Fire Department in the delivery of our mission. Thank you for your kind consideration. It has been a privilege to work with each of you.”