Brian Rooney did not know what to do in 1972 after serving six years in the Army Reserve with his friend, Michael Maglione.

But both were considering jobs in the Bridgeport Fire Department.

"I was looking for a career. Some friends of mine were speaking about [firefighter jobs]," Rooney said. "There was a lot of competition and I just gave it my best. I was very fortunate to get hired."

Now, more than 32 years later, Rooney has climbed the ladder through the Bridgeport Fire Department's ranks to become chief — at least on a "provisional" basis until a permanent successor is hired to replace Maglione, who left in January to become chief in Waterbury.

Rooney, who'd like to be that replacement, did not initially aspire to become chief. "I was really hoping just to make lieutenant," he said in a recent interview.

Now, as a national search is launched by Bridgeport officials to hire a new fire chief — and some City Council members question the promotion of Rooney and Police Chief Anthony Armeno to provisional status — Rooney is concentrating on the day-to-day demands of the job.

The 58-year-old Bridgeport native grew up on Burnsford Avenue and will mark his 33rd year as a city firefighter in August, outlasting most of the friends who joined the department with him but have since retired.

He is the father of two grown children and grandfather to 6-month-old Conor. His daughter is also eight months pregnant.

Rooney talked about his job and the challenges of urban firefighting during a recent interview in Fire Department headquarters on Congress Street.

Q. How have your first six months gone?

A. It's been a challenge every day with meetings — anti-blight, staff meetings, meetings with the American Red Cross. You just never know what you're going to be up against.

Q. Do you plan to apply for the chief's job?

A. I plan to [take the] test for it, but I don't know how long I can keep up this [fast] pace.

Q. How are you handling problems within the department, such as internal strife, the possibility of closing a fire company because of budget cuts and the lack of a union contract?

A. The best way to manage is being as consistent as possible, be fair to everyone. That keeps me focused. Every fire chief dreads [closing a fire company]. You've got to provide the best service you can with the tax revenue.

Q. What is the worst fire you've seen?

A. We lost a fire captain [Francis Federici] in 1982. The building collapsed on him. We still haven't gotten over it. He wanted to go in to help [other firefighters]. We also had Walter Flyntz who [collapsed] and died at the Merritt Towers [on March 17, 1999]. These types of things stay with you a very long time.

Q. Has the number of fires in Bridgeport increased or decreased in 33 years?

A. At Father Panik Village, we used to go two to three times a day. [Today] it's decreased. The high time was in the late '70s, early '80s when we're really running quite a lot. Arson fires, as well.

Q. Why has it decreased?

A. A lot of it has to do with redevelopment. Quite of lot of the structures have been taken down. Smoke alarms [have helped too].

Q. What do you think of the four fatal fires in Bridgeport since October?

A. My personal opinion, people don't think it's going to happen to them. More public education needs to be done. We have been promoting smoke alarm importance.

Q. Is anyone in your family interested in becoming firefighters?

A. My son was a Bridgeport police officer for a while. He injured his spine and had to retire.

Q. It's a dangerous job. What do you say to your family about the fires you've fought?

A. They were very concerned [about the dangers]. I stick to positive stories [such as rescues] most of the time.

Q. Former Chief Maglione loved Jimmy Buffett's music. What kind of music do you like and what are your hobbies?

A. I like all music, country and western, old and new. I like sports cars, Corvettes, street rods, home remodeling. I like to look at [cars], collect them and sell them. I want to buy a new Corvette, [but] I don't have the time. I was going to buy one, but I figured it'd just sit there.

— AARON LEO