Milford promotes fire officers

By NOELLE FRAMPTON, Staff writer
ConnPost Article Last Updated: 09/24/2008 11:18:59 PM EDT

MILFORD -- Education has been a big part of Daniel Johnson's 33-plus years on the Milford Fire Department.

It's not just that he's experienced many things and feels he's been in most of the city's commercial buildings. It's also that he took college and other courses all along the way.

Now, he's learning a new job.

The department's new assistant chief of operations, Johnson is one of three firefighters who were promoted in the wake of former Assistant Chief Jim Wilkinson's retirement.

He was among the first wave of firefighters hired around the same time, including Chief Louis LaVecchia and Battalion Chief Bill Healy, who bucked an old anti-college mindset by bringing newfound knowledge back to the department.

"We took a lot of courses," Johnson said. "We were just trying to learn. Whatever the state gave, we were ready to jump on. The older guys frowned on it, in a way."

Johnson, who started at 20, he was the first department firefighter under 21, and spent the last 18 years as a battalion chief, said the senior firefighters were threatened, back then by the young upstarts.

"Now, we realize that the young guys are the future," he said. "I love the job, I've been there for a while and I plan to be there for a while yet. And I'm still learning things."

Johnson earned his associate's degree in fire technology and administration and has picked up a slew of certifications along the way, he said. This year, he got his U.S. Coast Guard captain's license.

Meanwhile, his two kids are attending law school and Columbia University graduate school, he said.

He said he likes and respects his boss, LaVecchia, and hopes to live up to the legacy left by his father, Ray "Bif" Johnson, a 35-year department member who retired in 1985.

Capt. Gary Baker, with 22 years under his belt, was promoted to fill Johnson's old job.

A hazardous materials technician and coordinator of the department's marine units, Baker was previously captain of Engine 1, one of the department's busiest companies.

Lt. Christopher Zak, with 18 years, was promoted to captain of the Training Division, a role he's filled since the spring after former Capt. Michael McDaniel left. Also a HazMat technician and a rescue diver, he serves as the department's spokesman.

Firefighter Kyle Brotherton, with 14 years of experience that include being a rescue diver and coxswain with the marine units, is now a lieutenant.