Interim chief, 'new start' for Branford Fire Department

Interim chief, 'new start' for Branford Fire Department

Michelle Tuccitto, Register Staff

July 16, 2002

BRANFORD — With bagpipe music and surrounded by family, friends and firefighters, Deputy Fire Marshal Jack Ahern was sworn in Monday as the Fire Department's acting chief and fire marshal.

Ahern will hold the position until town officials find a permanent replacement for Peter Buonome, who retired Friday.

Ahern's father, George Ahern, pinned on the badge as well-wishers cheered at fire headquarters.

"Today is a new start for the Branford Fire Department," said Ahern. "My goal is to have the department ready for a permanent chief to step in. When I first started, I couldn't wait to come to work, and I feel that way now. I hope every member of the department feels the same way."

Ahern joined the department as a volunteer in 1976, then as a career member in 1980. He has been deputy fire marshal since 1998.

Board of Fire Commissioners Chairman Robert Massey Jr. said Ahern likely will be acting chief for about six months while the board searches for Buonome's replacement. Buonome held both the chief and fire marshal jobs, but the fire board is considering splitting the positions. Massey said the duties of can be too much for one person. Ahern said he would only be interested in the fire marshal position.

"It is a new day and a new beginning, and we're going to move forward, not backward," Massey said.

In spite of their differences with Buonome, many firefighters said they wish Buonome well.

Assistant Fire Chief Robert Andrew said Buonome had several accomplishments, such as replacing four fire engines, four ambulances and a heavy rescue truck.

Buonome also increased ambulance service revenue from about $170,000 to $900,000, added firefighters and obtained several grants.

First Selectman Anthony "Unk" DaRos said he believes Ahern will help stabilize the department.

He said he hopes for improved morale, fewer grievances and a department that meets its budget.

"The last few months have been painful," DaRos said. "I hope you will all give Jack your full support."

DaRos was referring to the turmoil surrounding Buonome's departure. The fire board had filed a series of charges against Buonome, including an allegation that he didn't adequately prepare a plan to finish the last fiscal year within budget. Buonome then filed a lawsuit against the town, board and DaRos.

In May, the board abruptly dropped the charges.

According to DaRos, that was because Buonome had agreed to retire, though no formal agreement was signed until Friday. Under this agreement, the town will pay Buonome $292,056, in addition to his pension, and Buonome agrees not to pursue any litigation against the town.

The funding still needs to be approved by the Board of Finance and Representative Town Meeting. Some finance board members have balked and plan to discuss it at a meeting July 29.

DaRos, however, said he is confident he'll win support for the agreement. "I knew it'd cost more than that to defend the town on the actions he had brought and threatened to bring against the town," DaRos said.

The town likely would have faced a costly appeal if the fire board had determined the charges had merit and fired Buonome.

Michelle Tuccitto can be reached at mtuccitto@nhregister.com or at 789-5615.