Derby Mayor Appoints Fire, Police Commissioners

Information via the city of Derby

DERBY, CT — Mayor Joseph DiMartino has selected both current and new commissioners to lead the city's fire and police departments.

According to a news release provided by the city, current Fire Commissioner Gary Parker will continue in this role in leading the Derby Fire Department as commissioner.

DiMartino worked with Parker for many years when Parker served as Director of Public Works, city officials said.

"Gary is a former fire chief and well respected in fire fighting circles well beyond the city of Derby," DiMartino said in a news release. "His vision and spirit of collaboration are what is needed to navigate the complicated waters of volunteer firefighting. He has the respect of the fire department because he has served in all of the line positions. I look forward to his stewardship of our beloved Derby Fire Department."

DiMartino also announced that he has re-appointed police commissioners Thomas Lenart Sr. and Michael Gloade to retain their positions.

Lenart is a retired Derby police sergeant and is current chief of the Storm Ambulance Corps. Gloade is also currently serving as chief of the Derby Fire Department.

"Both Commissioner Lenart and Commissioner Gloade acted in a non-partisan manner in the responsibility on the police commission," DiMartino said, "and they represent the city well in this capacity."

Retired State's Attorney Inspector Thomas DeGennaro was tapped to chair the police commission during the DiMartino administration. DeGennaro previously worked as a Derby police officer and served as chair of the police commission from 2013 to 2017.

"Tom DeGennaro represents capable and compassionate leadership of the police commission," DiMartino said. "I trust his judgement and respect his sense of fairness in dealing with the sensitive matters that come before the civilian leadership of the police department."

All four appointments are effective immediately and serve at the pleasure of the mayor pursuant to the city charter, city officials said.