More Fire Department Promotions Planned

By Jennifer Connic
Friday, December 29, 2006

More promotions are on the way at the Westport Fire Department for the start of the new year, including a new deputy chief.

Assistant Fire Chief Jonathan Gottfried will be promoted to deputy chief during a ceremony on Jan. 5 at Westport Fire Headquarters.

During the same ceremony Lt. Andrew Kingsbury will be promoted to assistant chief/training officer and firefighter Ernest Ruot will become a lieutenant.

As part of the promotions, William Dingee, current assistant chief/training officer, will move back and take a regular shift with the firefighters as an assistant chief, said Fire Chief Christopher Ackley.

Mark Amatrudo, who currently serves as deputy fire chief, completed his interim period in the position today, Ackley said.

“Mark Amatrudo was helpful to the department and gave us a fresh look on how we do business,” he said. “We are eternally grateful for his service.”

He will still touch base with department officials about ongoing projects to ensure things continue on track, he said.

Gottfried is the senior assistant chief, Ackley said, and is an experienced officer.

“He will be an asset to the department as second in command,” he said.

Both Gottfried and Kingsbury are experienced in helping with training exercises, Ackley said, and it will help the department.

“I expect a seamless transition,” he said. “Everyone fits well with their new positions.”

Posted 12/29 at 02:11 PM