Connecticut PostMaglione dons Waterbury fire chief's helmet next week Saturday, January 29, 2005- BRIDGEPORT Fire Chief Michael Maglione expects to take the helm of Waterbury's Fire Department next week, after that city's Financial Review Board approved his contract Friday. "I was notified by the city attorney of Waterbury that I was approved," Maglione said late Friday afternoon. "I will probably sign a contract about Tuesday or Wednesday." He said his last day on the job here is Tuesday. "In a way it's sad," he said of his departure. "It's a change. I spent 33 years in Bridgeport. "I'm looking forward to the challenge of going someplace new." The budgeted salary for Maglione's position in Waterbury is $101,000, compared with his $99,277 salary in Bridgeport. The City Charter allows the police and fire chiefs to serve two five-year terms. Maglione's second term was to expire in 2007. He served as chief for seven and a half years. Maglione says his initial challenge in Waterbury will be to restore morale in the department, where firefighters have a strained relationship with their city's state oversight board. The board controls city finances and can impose contract provisions. The firefighters are now adjusting to a new contract imposed by the board. Aaron Leo, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6222.
|