New Southington Fire Chief Has Firm Plans For Future

SOUTHINGTON, CT — In firefighting circles, the legendary New York City fireman, Chief Edward F. Croker, is known as the man who practically invented the modern fire department.

Born in 1865 and died in 1951, Croker's legacy lives on in Southington, where the fire department's newest leader — Eric Heath — was appointed fire chief last week by the town.

Croker famously said "I have no ambition in this world but one, and that is to be a fireman."

Heath, 46, said he never dreamed he'd be the chief of the Southington Fire Department. He was already living a dream saving lives.

"To paraphrase Chief Croker, I became a fireman to be a fireman," Heath told Patch recently. "I have been fortunate enough to advance my career and hope I made a difference in each position I held."

Heath was appointed as Southington's fire chief Sept. 15 and he officially took over on Sept. 16, replacing the now-retired former chief, James Paul.

"I am excited, yet humbled. I recognize both the rewards and challenges of the position. More important than the position are the members of the department I am fortunate to work along side," Heath said.

Looking ahead to the SFD, Heath said he plans to continue Paul's vision, as well as his own.

"Chief Paul and I had both shared visions and goals," Heath said. "I believe this is what made us an effective team. I will continue to work on those as well and continue to make a great department even better."

As with any municipal fire department, Heath said there are always things that can be better and he will work to ensure they do.

"There are always areas of improvement in any organization," he said. "One of my goals will be to continue to identify and analyze opportunities and recommend changes we can implement."

Heath has been battling blazes for 28 years, first as a volunteer in the Enfield Fire District in 1994, then as a professional firefighter in Southington in 1999.

He then worked his way up the proverbial ladder, all while climbing real ones to rescue people and preserve property.

Heath said it is the people who make up Southington's bravest that represent the department's strength.

"We wouldn't be where we are without them. We have dedicated and professional members who continue to put the town and it's citizens first," he said.

As for Heath, battling blazes has always been in the cards.

He has a bachelor's degree in fire administration from the University of New Haven, a masters in emergency services management from Columbia Southern University and he is currently working on a masters in public administration degree.

In 2019, he completed the executive fire officer program at the National Fire Academy and in 2022 was designated as a "Chief Fire Officer" from the Office of Professional Credentialing with the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

When he's not saving lives or managing those who do, he tends to his family, saying he has two daughters, Katrina and Emily, who he is "extremely proud of."

For more information on the Southington Fire Department, click on this link.