One of the Cromwell Fire Department’s two assistant chiefs, who has spent more than a decade in the company, will be taking the reins of the department.
Jason Brade will be sworn into office Saturday at 11 a.m. at the 105 Coles Road firehouse. Ex-chief Jason Balletto resigned from his position Sept. 29 over what he said was a pattern of disrespect by the district's Board of Commissioners. Board Executive Director Julius Neto said Monday that Balletto left earlier than expected. Fire officials approached Brade Oct. 24 to gauge his interest in assuming the top job, which he was, Neto said. Brade has so far led the department for three weeks.
This isn’t the first time Brade has been acting chief. He was placed in that role when ex-chief Michael R. Terenzio resigned in October 2020 to take a position with a fire department in West Haven.