West Haven fire chief is calling it a career

01/11/2007

Marissa Yaremich , Register Staff

WEST HAVEN — There was no public forewarning and barely a crowd, but an era of the West Haven Fire Department’s leadership under Chief William S. Johnson Jr. ended suddenly Wednesday with many tears. "Having completed 40 years, seven months and 16 days with the West Haven Fire Department, I have decided to retire," announced Johnson, 71, as he struggled to restrain his emotions during a Board of Fire Commissioners meeting. He plans to retire "on or about" Feb. 22 so he can spend time with his family.

The West Haven department serves the Center District, one of three city fire districts.

"No man could have chosen a better profession — the profession of a firefighter. I am proud and humble to have served the citizens of West Haven, my lifelong home," said Johnson. "I am extremely proud to have served and led the finest group of dedicated firefighters in the country … I know you will keep up the fine work."

Johnson’s announcement, kept publicly silent until his personal confirmation, stunned about one dozen of his closest colleagues and friends, who later expressed deep admiration for his decades-long innovations, as it truly saddened them.

"This is something as a commissioner I never wanted to see happen," said Chairman Bruce E. Sweeney, tears threatening to spill down his cheek.

"You left your mark on this town, our lives and our hearts (and) … you have become nationally known and a respected fire administrator," he added.

Hired on July 5, 1966, Johnson followed in his namesake father’s footsteps to rise through the ranks and, on Jan. 19, 1981, also become West Haven fire chief. He has since simultaneously served as the city’s emergency management director, and since 1983 as supervisor of the Emergency Reporting System.

State Rep. Stephen D. Dargan, D-West Haven, who also swallowed emotions to congratulate Johnson, said the chief’s ability to modernize and jell ERS among three independent fire departments and city politicians in the name of West Haven public safety is one of Johnson’s most colorful career achievements.

"We should share tears, but we should also share the joy," said Dargan, chairman of the House Public Safety and Security Committee, who saw Johnson through tough health issues, including a 1995 liver transplant.

Deputy Fire Chief William L. Abbott also fought back tears after Johnson recommended him, a 34-year department veteran, to the commission to fill the chief’s post.

"I would not be in the position I am in today if it weren’t for the chief. He’s taught me everything. The standards and (programs) he’s put into this department will never grow old," said Abbott, 57.

The commission must still formally vote for Johnson’s replacement.

As for Johnson’s family, his daughter, New Haven Assistant Police Chief Stephanie Redding, joined by her mother, Dolly, and siblings, rejoiced in the reason for her father’s retirement.

"I have to get reacquainted with my father," said Redding.