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.
In addition to Laskowski, Dziekan administered oaths to David M. Lenart, 40, of Storm Engine Co. 2, who will be Laskowski’s first assistant chief; Michael F. Gloade, 50, of Hotchkiss Hose Co. 1, as the second assistant chief and Thomas Biggs, 29, of the Paugassett Hook and Ladder Co. 4 as the third assistant chief.