Raiola Appointed Mansfield's Next Fire Chief

MANSFIELD, CT — Mansfield Fire Marshal Fran Raiola has be appointed to the position of Fire Chief effective Oct. 15.

Raiola will be the town’s second career Chief, succeeding David Dagon, who will be retiring this fall after 14 years of service to the town.

Raiola has more than three decades of experience in fire and emergency services field.

Raiola has been serving as Mansfield’s deputy chief-fire marshal emergency management director since April 2012. Raiola has been with the town since September 2000.

Raiola was a member of the UConn Fire Department, rising to the position of captain/shift commander/deputy fire marshal. Raiola holds an associate’s degree from Charter Oak College and numerous certifications in the Fire and Emergency Services field.

Town Manager Matthew Hart said, “Chief Raiola has the volunteer, operational, and command experience that we are looking for. I also value his experiences as fire marshal and emergency management director. Chief Raiola is cool and composed under pressure, always professional, and cares deeply about this community. He is an exemplary manager and leader, and I look forward to working with him in his new role.”

The Town is currently planning a swearing in ceremony and reception for Raiola for Thursday, October 13, from 6 to 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers of the Audrey P. Beck Municipal Building.

Patch file photo.