Fire chief gains special recognition

Fire chief gains special recognition
New Haven Register

Sarah W. Walker , Register Staff

05/28/2003

MILFORD — The Fire Department announced Tuesday that its leader received a rare distinction among fire officials: He was named a "chief fire officer" by a national organization.

The Commission on Chief Fire Officer Designation awarded Milford Fire Chief Louis A. LaVecchia the professional designation of "chief fire officer."

LaVecchia is one of only 214 fire chiefs in the United States and Canada to have received such a distinction.

According to the national commission, the Chief Fire Officer Designation Program recognizes fire officials "who demonstrate their excellence," in seven specific categories: experience, education, professional development, professional contributions, association membership, community involvement and technical competencies.

Milford Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said Tuesday that he is "delighted" for LaVecchia.

"He’s respected by the citizens of Milford and is now recognized by a national group for his efforts," Richetelli said, "We’re fortunate to have a man of his caliber running the department."

Fire Department spokesman Capt. Richard Mohr said that LaVecchia has "well-honed skills to run the (fire) department."

LaVecchia holds two associate’s degrees, one in mechanical engineering and the other in fire science, Mohr said. LaVecchia received his bachelor of science degree in fire administration from the University of New Haven in 1985.

"That’s commitment," Mohr said, of LaVecchia’s education.

LaVecchia has been fire chief in Milford for seven years and a member of the department for 27 years, Mohr said. He also belongs to a number of professional organizations, including the Connecticut Fire Marshal Association, the International Fire Chiefs Association and the Connecticut Career Fire Chiefs Association.

LaVecchia’s application for the national distinction was submitted last November, Mohr said.

Mohr added that LaVecchia’s designation as "chief fire officer" is among several steps the department has to undergo to become accredited by the National Fire Service Accreditation Program.

"It’s a lengthy process (to become a nationally accredited department)," Mohr said.

Register reporter Brian McCready contributed to this story. Sarah W. Walker can be reached at swalker@nhregister.com, or 876-6800.