New Fire Chief Named In Wallingford

WALLINGFORD, CT — Wallingford Deputy Fire Chief Joseph Czentnar has been appointed the department’s new fire chief, Mayor William W. Dickinson Jr. announced Monday.

Czentnar succeeds former Fire Chief Richard Heidgerd who retired in April after more than 30 years with the department. Czentnar’s appointment was effective Monday.

“Chief Czentnar participated in a selection process that included candidates from outside of Wallingford employment,” Dickinson said in a statement. “We are pleased to announce that he possesses the intelligence, experience, skills and temperament to serve our community in this very responsible position.”

Czentnar began his career with the Wallingford Fire Department in 1992 after previously serving with the North Branford Volunteer Fire Company. He served as a Battalion Chief/Shift Commander for 11 years and around seven years as a Deputy Fire Chief.

As Deputy Emergency Management Director, Czentnar has assisted in response to several incidents and is currently a state of Connecticut Certified Fire Marshal, according to a news release.

“Recently, he has responsibly contributed to the needs and challenges of emergency fire response,” officials wrote in a news release. “A co-project manager with the Police Department on the $6.2 million radio communications upgrade, he also helped to implement a new response and staffing model for the Fire Department, which adds a third engine company, Advanced Life Support on all engines, and a new transport ambulance division operating 24/7.

“We are pleased to welcome Chief Czentnar and look forward to his leading the Fire Department and protecting our community.”