District Appoints New Chiefs
This past January, a long-time fixture in the chief's ranks within the Westfield Fire Department, Deputy Chief Joe Augeri resigned his post. While the membership of the Department and the Board of Commissioners greatly regretted Joe's decision, we all understood that Joe had good personal reasons to end his 20+ years as an officer in the Westfield Fire Department. Joe - on behalf of the entire membership and Board of Commissioners, THANK YOU for your many years of progressive, hands-on leadership. It's been a pleasure serving under you. Of course, we look forward to seeing you inside the structure at the next "big one"....!
Following Joe's resignation in January, the Board of Commissioners appointed Steve Hughes to the post of Acting Deputy Chief and Mike Giantonio to the post of Acting Assistant Chief. Chief John Lockwood also appointed Brian White to the post of Acting Lieutenant.
Fast forward to this past Tuesday....
At the District Board meeting this past Tuesday April 14, the Board of Commissioners took action to fill the chiefs' positions on a more permanent basis. Steve Hughes was appointed to Deputy Chief and Darrell Ponzio was appointed to Assistant Chief. Mike Giantonio, who did a fine job as Acting Assistant Chief has resumed his position as Lieutenant. The Acting Lieutenant's position currently filled by Brian White will be filled at the next Department monthly meeting on May 5, 2009. Finally, The Board of Commissioners appointed former Deputy Chief Dana Andrew to the newly created position of District 5 - a Lieutenant's position, complementing the leadership provided by Lt. Giantonio and other volunteer officers during daytime hours.
4 comments:
Must be nice not to have to test for any promotions!
Anonymous - as you probably know, obtaining an officer's position within the WFD is by vote of the department. Starting last year, the Board of Commissioners decided to appoint the 3 chiefs positions, which, while not necessarily popular with the membership, is well within their right to do. Anyone interested in being considered for a chief's position only has to make the Commission aware by submitting a letter. As with any of the captain's or lieutenant's positions, qualifications, training and desire to do a good job play a part in the selection process. But, testing is not, and has never been part of the process to obtain any of the officers' positions within the department. That's not unique to Westfield Fire or the volunteer fire service in general.
Way to go Ponz, that is a lot of responsibility you have taken on. I have great confidence in your ability to rise to the challenges that you will face.
Scott
Thanks Scott - I'm very excited but it's a significant jump in responsibility and I take it very seriously. Would be nice to have you around to work with - hope all's going well!
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