Board of Alders unanimously approves internal candidate as New Haven fire chief

The New Haven Board of Alders on a voice vote unanimously approved the mayor's appointment of an internal candidate to serve as the city's next fire chief.

The nomination was presented after the Automatic Affairs Committee met on March 12, 2026, and issued a favorable recommendation, noting the appointee began service as a firefighter in 2002 and has advanced through ranks to senior leadership. A committee representative described the candidate's experience and urged colleagues to support the confirmation.

The board debate included several members speaking in support of the appointment, praising the nominee's long tenure in the New Haven Fire Department, operational experience as a lieutenant, captain and battalion chief, and involvement in union and community organizations. One Alder said the appointment "shows that growth within the department is possible" and emphasized continuity from prior leadership.

With no opposing recorded votes, the chair called the question and declared the item adopted.

The appointment completes the board's formal approval of the mayor's nominee; the city will proceed with the transition and the appointee's assumption of the chief duties as arranged by the mayor's office and the fire department.