New Fire Chief Appointed In Stamford

STAMFORD, CT — Mayor Caroline Simmons announced on Monday evening that she will be appointing Rex Morris as the new fire chief of the Stamford Fire Department.

Morris has been serving as the interim fire chief since October 2023. He was appointed following the retirement of former Fire Chief Trevor Roach, who retired last October after 36 years of service.

"I am pleased to appoint Chief Rex Morris to the role of Fire Chief for the Stamford Fire Department," Simmons said in a news release. "With a career in the fire service that spans over 50 years, I am confident that Chief Morris has the qualifications, expertise, and professionalism to lead the Stamford Fire Department and I look forward to working with him in this permanent capacity."

Morris said he's "proud and honored" to be appointed.

"Stamford is where I was born, and I started my fire department career here. I want to thank the officers and members of the Stamford Fire Department for their support during my interim time and especially to Mayor Simmons for her support and confidence in me," Morris added in a news release.

Stamford Director of Public Safety, Health, and Welfare Lou DeRubeis congratulated Morris.

"I look forward to working with Chief Morris, the fire command staff, and the men and women of the Stamford Fire Department as we continue to enhance fire operations and safety in the city of Stamford," DeRubeis added.

Since 2014, Morris has served as the assistant chief of volunteer services for the SFD, supervising the command and control of Stamford’s five volunteer fire companies.

His career spans over 50 years in the professional fire service, having served in a variety of leadership positions in the New York City Fire Department, including captain and company commander of Rescue 1, captain of Ladder Company 28, and lieutenant of Ladder 44 and Engine 42.

The Mayor’s Office said it conducted an extensive search and lengthy interview process that consisted of internal and external candidates for the position.