STAMFORD, CT – Mayor David Martin released a statement following the news that the Superior Court upheld the constitutionality of the 2012 charter revision referendum. The referendum established a unified Fire Department in the City of Stamford, led by a Chief of the Stamford Fire Department with an Assistant Chief for Career Service Firefighters and an Assistant Chief for Volunteer Service Firefighters.

“It is promising to learn that the court upheld the decision made by Stamford voters and reassuring to know that the Fire Service in the City of Stamford will be working together as one unified department to keep residents safe,” Martin stated.

The court affirmed the important and continuing role of the volunteer fire departments under the terms of the revised charter for providing fire protection services within their districts.

The Director of Public Safety, Health and Welfare Ted Jankowski stated, “The court’s decision upholding the constitutionality of the charter provides the foundation for a unified fire service consisting of both volunteer and career personnel working together. This is a positive step forward and I am confident that a unified fire department will allow for more effective and efficient fire protection for the entire City of Stamford.”

All parties attended the monthly Fire Commission meeting last night at which the Fire Commission reviewed and extended the Interim Consent Order.

The Chiefs of the Long Ridge Fire Department, the Springdale Fire Department and the Turn of River Department, as well as the City Fire Chief and the Director of Public Safety were in attendance at the Fire Commission meeting.

Fire Chief Peter Brown stated, “The court decision provides an opportunity to move forward in our effort to make a stronger and unified fire service. I am looking forward to working closely with the volunteer fire departments to provide the best possible fire protection for the City of Stamford and its residents.”

The City and the three volunteer departments entered into an agreement which will automatically terminate on January 31, 2014 (unless extended by agreement of the parties) to continue operating under the Interim Consent Order agreed to March 28, 2013 and the Addendum to the Interim Consent Order agreed to December 19, 2013. The agreement will prevent any disruption in fire services and will allow the parties the opportunity to discuss a plan for moving forward.

FOR MORE INFORMATION. PLEASE CONTACT
Office of the Mayor
Tom Dec
203-858-5430
[email protected]