ANSONIA – Ansonia’s newest fire chief comes from a five-generation family of city firefighters.
Chief Jay Fainer took his oath, along with the department’s four assistant chiefs, at a ceremony Monday (July 7). He takes over from Chief Alex Horjatschun, who had served in the position since 2023.
Chief Fainer, who has volunteered the department for nearly 30 years, said his newest post is an honor.
“It is truly the greatest honor of my life to be sworn in as chief of the Ansonia Fire Department,” he said to the crowd at the Charters Hose Co. firehouse. “This moment is especially meaningful to me because nearly 100 years ago, on July 20, 1925, my great-grandfather Stephen Fainer was elected to this very fire house. Tonight, almost a century later, my children, Stephen and Gabby, were sworn in as junior members.”
Also sworn in were Assistant Chiefs Anthony DeLucia, Ken Pawlak, Tim Lembo, and Matt Pitney.
The Ansonia Fire Department Juniors – a new program for teenagers aged 14 through 18 – participated in their first swearing-in ceremony. Fainer has helped spearhead the program, which helps local youths learn the ropes of firefighting while giving back to their community.
In keeping with past ceremonies, Fainer handed out various awards to recognize acts of bravery and service.
Firefighters Matt Casini and Matt Gregorio received medals of valor for rescuing a distraught man from the freezing depths of Coe Pond, saving his life. Samantha Ruelle and Aiden Collins received Citizens Awards for rescuing a woman from a burning home after placing a 911 call.
EMTs Christian Hotchkiss and Hector Rivera received certificates of recognition, along with patrol officers Edgar Gonzalez and Peter Lovermi III, for helping Main Street apartment residents evacuate while waiting for firefighters to arrive in the dead of night.
“Their actions, taken in the earliest and most dangerous moments, undoubtedly saved lives,” Fainer said.
Seven members of the Ansonia Fire Department, along with three members of the Derby Fire Department, also received citations for their efforts in combatting that blaze and saving lives. A full list of awards is at the end of the article.
In his closing remarks, Fainer thanked former Chief Scott Trembley, who led the event as master of ceremonies. Fainer said his goal is to leave the department better than he found it, and he congratulated his fellow chiefs on their appointments.
“I look forward to working with each of you over the next two years to build on the proud tradition of this department,” Fainer said.
The new slate of chiefs will serve in their new roles until 2027, when the assistant chiefs will rotate and a new fire chief will be named.
Appointments And Awards
Chief Of Department: Jay Fainer, Charters Hose Co. 4
1st Assistant Chief/Deputy Fire Chief: Anthony DeLucia, Eagle Hose H&L Co. 6
2nd Assistant Chief: Ken Pawlak, Webster Hose H&L Co. 3
3rd Assistant Chief: Tim Lembo, Fountain House Co. 1
4th Assistant Chief: Matt Pitney, Hilltop Hose Co. 5
Department Training Officer: Mark Nimons, Eagle Hose H&L Co. 6
Department Safety Officers: Michael Eheman, Webster Hose H&L Co. 3, and Craig Smart, Eagle Hose H&L Co. 6
Citizens Awards: Samantha Ruelle, Aiden Collins, Staff Sergeant Urzua
Certificate of Recognition: APD Officers Edgar Gonzalez and Peter Lovermi, III, and ARMS EMTs Christian Hotchkiss and Hector Rivera
AFD Unit Citation: Asst. Chief Matt Pitney, Asst. Chief Anthony DeLucia, Capt. Joe Kingston, III, Capt. Scott Foster, T.O. Mark Nimons, Chris Godfrey, and Matt Gregorio
DFD Unit Citation: Asst. Chief Jessie Marino, Lt. Mike Tracz, and Matt Beck
Medal of Valor: Matt Casini and Matt Gregorio
