Hamden Fire Chief To Retire

HAMDEN, CT — Hamden Fire Chief Gary Merwede is retiring at the end of the month after nearly 30 years with the department.

Merwede announced the news in a post on Twitter on Wednesday.

“Today, after 28 years on the job at the @HamdenFireDept my name went before the #Hamden retirement board,” Merwede wrote in the post. “My service to the town will end on 7/29 at noon.

“I’ll get some Dept stats out before then. It’s been a good run. It’s my time. #firefighters”

Merwede was appointed by former Mayor Curt Balzano Leng to the chief’s position in 2018.

“You served Hamden with honor, intelligence, bravery and professionalism,” Leng wrote in the replies under Merwede’s post on Twitter. “Thank you, sincerely, for your service to our community.”

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).

“We are losing an awesome Chief,” Austin Cesare, a member of the Hamden Board of Education and former councilman, wrote on Twitter. “Job well done for the people of Hamden for so many years. Enjoy a very happy and long retirement.”