Chief: Firefighters in New Canaan Must Undergo Testing, Tactical Simulations to Move Up in Rank

Firefighters in New Canaan who are seeking promotion can attain two ranks, lieutenant and captain, officials said this week. In rising from firefighter to either position, New Canaan’s bravest take on a slew of new responsibilities, according to Fire Chief Albe Bassett. “Lieutenants conduct training for the shift” and “are more hands-on with training,” Bassett said during the March 11 Fire Commission meeting, held at the firehouse on Main Street. 

He continued: “The captain is responsible for the entire shift. They are the overall incident commander on a fire scene, manage schedules, and ensure all members are trained and have proper equipment.”

Bassett’s comments came during an informational session on promotional processes and timelines within the municipal department. Despite the differences between lieutenant and captain duties, there’s crossover between the roles, Bassett said. 

“Each officer is responsible for various projects in the fire service, whether that’s helping with scheduling and apparatus repair, maintenance, tools and equipment, and training,” he said.

New Canaan Firefighter Harry Russell Sworn In at Town Hall Ceremony

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. “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.