Milford fire chief takes lead in helping others

Milford fire chief takes lead in helping others

MILFORD - In firefighting circles, it's called "mutual aid," an arrangement between neighboring communities to share each other's fire services and manpower in times of crisis.

For Fire Chief Louis LaVecchia, the term takes on new meaning, extending beyond the realm of the fire scene to encompass national and statewide efforts to improve fire safety.

Within the past several months alone, LaVecchia has served on an investigation panel of the Greenwich Fire Department, a national committee on emergency coverage, and a state homeland security panel.

The experience has not only allowed LaVecchia to take a lead in fire prevention efforts, it has given him greater perspective on how to help Milford.

"I look at it as how it relates to Milford," said LaVecchia, a 28-year department veteran. "How can we prevent certain incidents from happing here?"

Most recently, LaVecchia served on a three-person panel that examined the performance of the Greenwich Fire Department in the wake of a devastating Dec. 5 fire that left three firefighters seriously injured.

The committee, which included West Haven Chief William Johnson and Wallingford Chief Peter Stuble, ended up recommending significant changes to Greenwich's command structure and staffing.

The panel's formation alone at the request of Greenwich's first selectman and fire chief is believed to be one of the only times in state history in which a fire chief requested outside chiefs to review department services.

LaVecchia is now serving on a state Department of Homeland Security committee that is creating a response plan to urban search-and-rescue missions, similar to the ones following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.

On a more national scale, LaVecchia recently joined several revered fire officials from across the country to author a "State of Coverage" document.

The report will help fire chiefs plan emergency coverage for different community districts, ensuring that commercial and residential zones have adequate firefighter response.

Mayor James L. Richetelli Jr. said LaVecchia is one of the core reasons why Milford's Fire Department is nationally considered one of the best for its size.

"In Milford, we are very fortunate to have extremely dedicated public servants who commit their careers and their lives to the community," the mayor said. "Chief LaVecchia is an example of that. We are proud that he is highly regarded for his expertise and knowledge."

Stuble, of Wallingford, said LaVecchia is always quick to call other fire chiefs when they are facing challenges within their department.

"Of all the fire chiefs I know, if you are having a difficulty, he is the first to reach out and call," Stuble said.

The Wallingford chief added that LaVecchia has a strong grasp of what makes modern fire departments run efficiently, including expertise on bio-hazard responses, emergency medical services and modern technology.

"He has a strong internal compass about which direction he, the Milford Fire Department and nation should go," Stuble added.