West Haven fire chief to retire after 32 years on the job

06/28/2006

W. Haven fire chief to retire after 32 years on the job

By Marissa Yaremich

-WEST HAVEN — West Shore District Fire Department Chief William G. Donegan confirmed Tuesday he will retire July 6. "I made a promise to myself I was going to retire before (age) 60 to spend time with my family and do the things I want to do, like relax," said Donegan, who turns 59 next month.

At Donegan's suggestion, and upon its own deliberation, the Board of Fire Commissioners announced it plans to appoint Deputy Chief and Fire Marshal Harold C. Burns, a 29-year veteran and fellow West Haven native, as its 10th chief.

Though Donegan looks forward to good times with his wife and four children, the West Haven native and 1981 Junior Chamber of Commerce Firefighter of the Year said he'll leave behind a "great department" he's been proud to serve since April 1, 1974.

Donegan, who quickly climbed the ranks, was appointed chief in 2002 after serving in a supervisory capacity for more than two decades.

The chief's salary for fiscal 2006-07 is $87,030.

In a recent memo circulated to his co-workers, the fire commission expressed dismay at Donegan's impending departure, but praised his career. He is the department's most senior firefighter, giving him the distinction of being its official historian.

"Chief Donegan is the epitome of what it means to be a firefighter and ... to dedicate your life to a profession and to the West Shore Fire Department," the commission's memo reads. "It is with deep regret that we accept his retirement letter.

"Congratulations to Chief Hal Burns and we know he will do an admirable job," the commission stated.

Burns has served in virtually every rank within the department, including as acting fire chief from July 2002 to October 2002. A graduate of Boston University and Charter Oak State College, Burns has also been instrumental in the past in obtaining grant money for the department.

Burns deflected comment on his promotion, which also takes effect July 6, to pat Donegan on the back for his 32 years of service.

"He's just a heck of a guy and I wish him well in his retirement," Burns said. He also extended his congratulations to the Allingtown District's Victor J. Sampietro and Peter V. Massaro Jr., whose own Board of Fire Commissioners recently offered them promotions to fire chief and deputy fire chief, respectively.

Donegan said he is most proud of his July 2003 implementation of the department's paramedic program. He said he has faith in Burns to further elevate the department. Burns' replacement as deputy chief has not been chosen.

Marissa Yaremich can be reached at myaremich@nhregister.com or 789-5742.