Hail to the new chief
Norwalk welcomes new Fire Chief Denis McCarthy.
By JILL BODACH and JENNIFER CONNIC
Hour Staff Writers

NORWALK -- For the second time in a year, members of the Norwalk Fire Department welcomed a new leader as Denis McCarthy was sworn in Friday as fire chief. McCarthy, who is chief of the Westport Fire Department, will take the place of Sanford Anderson, who will leave the position May 2 after serving in the department for 45 years. McCarthy was chosen from a pool of more than 70 applicants. McCarthy has been with the Westport Fire Department since 1978. He was promoted to deputy chief, the second highest position in the Westport department, in 1988 and has been chief for two years. He said he chose Norwalk because he was seeking a new challenge. "I have found that my role as both deputy chief and chief have been very much the same," he said. "There are some differences and new challenges, but a lot is the same." McCarthy may get more than he asked for with Norwalk. Over the past year, the Norwalk Fire Department has been studied by the Matrix Consulting Group. The results show a need for a lot of work in Norwalk to advance facilities and technologies and McCarthy is going to be at least partially responsible for leading the department in a new direction. It is a responsibility he says he is up for. "It's the type of challenge I need," he said. "I can help make those things happen because my experiences in Westport have been very similar to what (Norwalk is) going through now." In addition to overseeing the physical adjustments at the department, there are other changes that are more emotional in nature that need to be addressed. First and foremost is negotiating with the fire union to complete a new labor contract. The union has been without a contract for more than 1,000 days. Firefighters are upset about changes to their medical plan and lack of monetary support for their first-responder duties, among other issues. Last week, firefighters picketed in front of Norwalk City Hall to express their displeasure with the lack of resolution with the contract. McCarthy said he recognizes that he will have to assist the two sides in reaching an agreement. "You can't look forward to accomplishing your goals in the report, or the goals the mayor or the department has, without labor peace," he said. "We should not be advisaries and we need to work together." McCarthy walked into a similar situation when he became chief in Westport. "It's hard to have engaging discussions if you don't feel you are being treated fairly," he said. The results have been strong partnerships in the department down to the firefighter level, he said. Such partnerships may increase morale at the department ,which is at an all-time low, firefighters say, because of the contract problems. The firefighters and officers have the opportunity to forge a professional and fulfilling work environment, McCarthy said, and he would like to see higher morale. "There needs to be a partnership with the labor and management to solve these problems," McCarthy said. Union secretary Joe Coppola said the union is hoping McCarthy will help the department move forward in the contract negotiations and other areas. "We are really looking forward to working with our new chief and we are really pleased with the choice that was made," Coppola said. But while Norwalk celebrated McCarthy's appointment, Westport mourned its loss. Westport officials said they would miss McCarthy, but wished him new luck with his new position. Westport First Selectwoman Diane Farrell said she is delighted for McCarthy and happy to have had the opportunity to work with him. "He has been a superb chief," she said. "He will do a fantastic job in Norwalk." Westport Fire Marshal Fred Baker said it is tough to see McCarthy go and he will miss him