By Kirk Lang
www.westport-news.com article 11/29/2006
Two firefighters with more than 55 years of experience between them were promoted the day before Thanksgiving last week.
Edward Zygmant, a 27-year veteran of the Westport Fire Department, was promoted to fire marshal, while Timothy Chalfant, a 29-year veteran, was promoted to fire inspector.
"With that amount of experience they've seen a huge amount of change in the town," said Fire Chief Christopher Ackley, "And they've seen the variety of the types of emergencies that can happen in town, and that experience will help them well in their new positions."
Prior to last week's promotion ceremony, Zygmant was the acting fire marshal and Chalfant's position was that of firefighter.
"We all came on the job six months apart," said Ackley. "It was Chalfant, then me, then Zygmant."
Zygmant had been serving as acting fire marshal since former Fire Marshal Fred Baker retired earlier this year. Zygmant holds bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of New Haven. He is a state-certified hazardous materials technician, fire service instructor and a graduate of the state fire marshal's certification course. A former Connecticut Fire School instructor, Zygmant was one of the founding members of the Mid-Fairfield County Hazardous
Materials Team, as well as the joint Westport Police/Fire Dive Team.
In his position as fire marshal, Zygmant, among other duties, will supervise and coordinate the department's public education program, fire prevention and code enforcement efforts.
Ackley said of Zygmant: "He's hardworking. He's dedicated to the town, to the fire service. He's an excellent fire inspector and investigator. He's well respected by his peers."
Chalfant, a Staples High School graduate, began his fire service career in the early 1970s as a volunteer firefighter, according to his father, Clayton Chalfant, a World War II veteran and the grand marshal of the 2004 Memorial Day parade.
The elder Chalfant said even before his son was of age to become a volunteer, he'd get on his bike and ride to the firehouse because he was so interested in what was going on. Timothy Chalfant became a volunteer firefighter at 18 and became a paid member of the department three years later.
Was Clayton ever worried about his son heading into burning buildings?
"I did worry. I think every parent does. It's a dangerous job, but I always told him, if you learn the trade and make sure you know everything about it, you'll be safer," Clayton Chalfant responded.
Timothy Chalfant is an emergency medical technician (EMT) and has earned several commendations for meritorious service throughout his career. As fire inspector, Chalfant's duties will include public education, fire prevention and code enforcement.
"Timothy Chalfant is a solid, steady performer," said Ackley. "He's quiet. He's low-key. He puts 110 percent into everything he does and he's another highly respected individual in the Fire Department."
After last week's promotion there are now two staff positions (staff being any position above firefighter) left to fill: deputy chief and lieutenant, according to Ackley.