The Providence Journal (Rhode Island), May 13, 2005, Friday

Copyright 2005 The Hartford Courant Company
Hartford Courant (Connecticut)

May 13, 2005 Friday
6 METRO EDITION

SECTION: CONNECTICUT; Pg. B5

HEADLINE: NEW CHIEF NAMED FOR VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT

BYLINE: MARYELLEN FILLO; Courant Staff Writer

DATELINE: WETHERSFIELD --

BODY:
A 23-year veteran of the local volunteer fire department has been named its new chief.
Charles Flynn, who most recently served as the department's deputy chief of training, was named to his new post on Thursday by Town Manager Bonnie Therrien. Flynn has a one-year provisional appointment while he obtains the advanced fire certification that is required for the post.
``I'm excited and I was surprised,'' said the 41-year-old father of two who was promoted to the deputy chief position about a year ago. ``I am excited about leading the department and want to take it in a good direction.''
Flynn was one of three local candidates considered for the department's top spot, a position left vacant by the sudden resignation several weeks ago of Chief William Clark. Clark left the post shortly after town officials learned he attended a town-funded, $3,000, three-day International Fire Chiefs conference in Florida without telling Therrien, who must approve all out-of-state travel. Clark maintained he did not feel he was doing anything wrong at the time. He wrote a public letter of apology but resigned soon afterward.
``One of the things Chief Flynn will have to address is the department's morale, and gaining the respect of the members,'' said Therrien, referring to the damage caused by the issue involving Clark. ``[Flynn] already has a great rapport with the department,'' she said. ``It's rebuilding time.''
Flynn already holds three levels of firefighter certification and is certified as a fire officer and fire instructor. He attended the Cornell University School of Industrial and Labor Relations. He is currently the education and training coordinator for the Communication Workers of America Local 1298.
``My background in communications and unions will be a bonus in the chief's job,'' Flynn said. ``I know how to deal with both sides of the house.''
Flynn said he had no immediate plans for any changes in a department that includes three volunteer fire companies with a total of about 100 members.
``First I want to meet with officers and staff, and the rank and file,'' he said. ``Right now, that and getting a new start for the department is my first priority.''
Flynn said one initiative he favors is having all members of the department obtain certification from the federal National Incident Management System, which sets standardized procedures for national, state and local emergency responders.
The new fire chief said he plans to immediately attend the advanced certification program he needs for his new position.
As fire chief, Flynn receives a yearly stipend of about $1,000 from the town and a $1,000 property tax abatement.