All photos by Jason Edwards, for The Valley Independent Sentinel
DERBY — The Derby Fire Department installed a new slate of officers during a ceremony Saturday at Derby Middle School off Chatfield Street.
Jason Edwards took these photos for The Valley Indy.
The following information was taken from The Derby Fire Department Facebook page:
The Derby Fire Department promoted and installed new chief officers and a safety officer at a ceremony Jan. 7 at Derby Middle School.
Michael Gloade was promoted to chief of the department.
Photo By Jason Edwards
Derby Fire Department Chief Michael F. Gloade is sworn in by Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan, alongside wife Nelda Carrion-Gloade on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
Thomas Biggs was promoted to first assistant chief, Louis Oliwa was promoted to second assistant chief, and Jesse Marino was installed as third assistant chief.
Photo By Jason Edwards
Derby Fire Department First Assistant Chief Thomas Biggs is sworn in by Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan, alongside Kathy Biggs on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
Photo By Jason Edwards
Derby Fire Department Second Assistant Chief Louis Oliwa is sworn in by Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan, alongside son Louis Owila III on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023
Photo By Jason Edwards
Derby Fire Department Third Assistant Chief Jesse Marino is sworn in, alongside wife Lauren and daughters Samantha and Alexandra on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
The new officers received the oath of office from Mayor Richard Dziekan and Derby Fire Department Commissioner Gary Parker thanked everyone, especially the department members and their families, for their sacrifice and support of the fire service.
Dziekan and Parker also thanked past Derby Fire Department Chief David Lenart for his leadership of the department for the past two years.
Awards were also given to members of the department for their quick work and life-saving actions during the past few years.
Photo By Jason Edwards
Derby Safety Officer Daniel Mascolo is sworn in by Derby Mayor Richard Dziekan, alongside wife Norell Mascola on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023.
Crews from Truck 15 out of Paugassett Hook & Ladder Company No. 4 and Engine 12 from Storm Engine Co./Ambulance Corps Co. 2 were honored with meritorious citations for their response and work at the Star Pin factory structure fire Shelton in 2020.
Sean Fitch from Hotchkiss Hose Co. 1 was awarded a meritorious citation for his swift action and rendering of first aid to a patient struck by a vehicle on Ida Ave in 2019.
Firefighters Michael and Steven Tracz from Co. 4 and Captain Alex Neuendorf from Co. 2 also received meritorious citations as a result of rescuing an unconscious burn victim from a fire on Guardiano Terrace. Neuendorf, who was first on scene and into the residence, also was awarded the Medal of Valor for his actions on that call.
