Connecticut PostActing chief touched by reception BRIDGEPORT — As he emerged from his new office to take the oath as the city's acting fire chief, Brian Rooney couldn't believe his eyes. "Oh wow, is this for me?" the 56-year-old Bridgeport Fire Department veteran exclaimed. Gathered for his big moment receiving the chief's badge from Mayor John M. Fabrizi were a host of well-wishers, including fire commissioners, acting Police Chief Anthony Armeno, a handful of city officials and, most importantly, members of his family. Rooney takes over from former Chief Michael Maglione, who has taken the top fire job in Waterbury. Among those looking on were Rooney's two children, their spouses, and his 2-month-old grandson. For Rooney, the post is the culmination of a 32-year career that has seen him rise from the rank of firefighter. He plans to seek the job permanently as city officials launch a national search "That's a long career. That's a stellar career," said Fabrizi. In the coming months, Rooney will concentrate on a number of tasks, including: l overseeing completion of the new East Side fire station at Boston Avenue and Pembroke Street. l obtaining grants for training and equipment. l arranging training for firefighters to respond to terrorism. Despite the good cheer at the ceremony, Rooney's appointment was not universally welcomed. The heads of three groups representing minority firefighters criticized the appointment because of what they said are Rooney's ties with a controversial group for white firefighters. They also charged that Rooney in 1999 allegedly helped to circulate a rumor that members of the Firebirds, a minority firefighter group, cheated on a lieutenant exam. "I am outraged," said Donald Day, a retired fire captain and director of the Northeast Region of the International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters. "This is a slap in the face of to black and Puerto Rican firefighters," said Ron Mackey, president of the Firebirds. But Rooney said he is determined to work cooperatively with them. "I just want to work with everybody here," he said. "We're here for the taxpayers. I want to give them the best service we can." And the minority firefighter group leaders didn't speak for everybody. Capt. Charles Dimbo, an African-American who served as Maglione's aide and will continue in that role for Rooney, said he is pleased. "He's a good guy," he said of the new department boss. Rooney said he was also touched by Fabrizi's pledge to come to any significant fire at any hour, something that he said was unique among the seven mayors he's served. Staff writer Aaron Leo contributed to this report. Susan Silvers, who covers regional issues, can be reached at 330-6426. |