A 40-year-old corporate jet pilot, is the new chief of the city’s 115-member volunteer fire department.
Mayor Richard Dziekan administered the chief’s oath to Robert Laskowski, Jr., a 22-year member of the East End Hose company, before more than 100 people Saturday morning at Derby Middle School.
Laskowski’s wife, Melissa, pinned the chief’s badge on her husband’s uniform. She also is involved in the department’s history. She is the first woman to serve as a fire captain in the city.
Laskowski said one of his goals will be to increase the number of volunteers training to be firefighters as well as try to keep the current volunteers involved and on the job.
“It’s an issue most volunteer departments have,” he said.