Retirements shuffle veteran fire department

NOELLE FRAMPTON
ConnPost Article Last Updated: 07/16/2008 01:08:05 AM EDT

MILFORD — A veteran firefighter's retirement prompted a chain of promotions in the city's fire department this month, a scenario that's probably going to happen a lot in the next five years.

Battalion Chief Bradford Ross, who served the department for 30 years and was most recently shift commander of C Platoon, retired July 3, sparking four promotions.

Ross was a member of the Water Response Team and had served in numerous positions, such as hazardous materials technician and safety officer.

"This is both a positive and negative event in the Milford Fire Department," said department spokesman, acting Capt. Christopher Zak, in a written statement Tuesday. "Negative only in the way that we have lost a member and with that 30 years of experience that you cannot put a price on, or even transfer that knowledge. It is positive in the fact that the personnel who are getting promoted are extremely motivated, dedicated and knowledgeable, and they will continue to lead the department into the coming years."

Capt. Patrick Hayden was promoted to fill Ross' spot effective July 7. Hayden has more than 25 years with the department doing many different jobs.

Lt. Robert Turner got Hayden's old rank and post as captain of Engine 1 at headquarters. Turner, one of the coxswains of Milford's fire boat, has 23 years with the department and was previously assigned to Engine 6 on Melba Street.

Inspector Thomas Thornberg, a state-licensed paramedic with 15 years experience as a firefighter, took Turner's position.

Firefighter Paul Geer, with 26 years in the department, filled Thornberg's job in the Fire Marshall's Office. Geer is president of the Milford Professional Firefighters Association and oversees the Toys for Tots program.

Retirements will likely be all too common in the next five years, Zak said, adding that about half of the department's firefighters have put in 20 years or more and therefore could say goodbye at any time. At least two more are leaving at the end of this month, he said.

"You're going to start seeing a lot of individuals retire within the next, probably one to five years," he said. "We're going to have a very young fire department."

The kind of experience Ross took with him is priceless, especially when it comes to fighting serious fires or battling a nor'easter, Zak said.

"The guys with 20, 30 years on have experienced numerous storms," he said. "The guys with five years are missing some of that experience."

All of the department's upper officers, including chief and assistant chiefs, have racked up 25 years or more on the job, Zak said.

Ross, who joined the department at age 18, plans "to enjoy his retirement" and work part-time, Zak said.

Ross could not be reached for comment.