Harry Russell had been working in his family’s construction firm in England for five years when, in 2019, he immigrated to the United States.
One year later, in September 2020, he joined the volunteer New Canaan Fire Company No. 1—an experience that would change his life.
It was seeing what the job demands and what’s involved that made the Wilton resident want to become a career firefighter in New Canaan.
New Canaan Fire Department firefighter Harry Russell signs Town Clerk Claudia Weber’s book during his swearing-in ceremony, held March 12, 2024 in Town Hall. Credit: Michael Dinan
“I realized that some of my previous skills in construction would apply very well to it,” Russell told NewCanaanite.com Tuesday evening from the main lobby at Town Hall, moments after being sworn in as a firefighter by Town Clerk Claudia Weber.
“Not only that but also getting to know the town and the people really created that drive where I want to help as much as I can and contribute to the town in any way possible,” Russell said. “Through volunteering, it made me realize this is the career I want to do. It’s what I want.”
Fire Chief Albe Bassett oversaw the swearing-in ceremony, held on a clear spring-like evening and attended by Russell’s wife, Caitlin, Fire Commission Chair Jack Horner and member Beth Jones, Emergency Management Director Russell Kimes III and more than one dozen fellow NCFD firefighters and officials.
Caitlin Russell pins a badge on her husband New Canaan Fire Department firefighter Harry Russell’s uniform during his swearing-in ceremony, held March 12, 2024 in Town Hall. Credit: Michael Dinan
After a welcome from Bassett, Horner called the ceremony—officially a meeting of the Commission—to order, and Jones led those gathered in the Pledge of Allegiance. Weber swore Russell in and then he signed the Town Clerk’s book.
Bassett noted that in order to earn the job at the Fire Department, Russell underwent a written and oral assessment and an interview with the Fire Commission.
“Harry has demonstrated the desire and values of what it takes to become a New Canaan firefighter,” Bassett said. “The important part of this process is the measure of his core values that match the department’s core values, which are professionalism, integrity, accountability, respect, compassion, a belief in diversity, and teamwork. And Harry has met all these core values and he has the fire service calling to support the mission of the department and the fire service as a whole. And he has the desire to serve our community for a long time within the department.”
Russell has obtained his Firefighter 1 and Q endorsement for driving, and EMT certification during his time as a volunteer, Bassett said.
“Harry has successfully completed the recruit school at the Connecticut Fire Training, three months of training, and is back with us now,” Bassett said.
The chief also noted that a position opened up at NCFD due to the retirement of Steve Gaeta, who retired after some 25 years of service with the department.
“We wish Steve a long and healthy retirement,” Bassett said. “Snacks in the other room.”