By MES Dispatch staff
The Briefing
• Interim Fire Chief Keven McNeill has unveiled a recovery plan for the Danielson Fire Department after a wave of resignations and retirements left the department severely depleted.
• More than half of the volunteer department resigned following a dispute over the fire chief hiring process.
• The plan focuses on recruitment, boosting morale, emergency readiness, medical training and transparency.
• Borough Council and fire officials held an open discussion with remaining volunteers and the public about challenges and solutions.
• Mutual aid agreements are in place to ensure continued emergency response coverage amid rebuilding efforts.
DANIELSON, CONN. — Interim Fire Chief Keven McNeill has begun implementing a recovery plan aimed at rebuilding the Danielson Fire Department after a majority of volunteer members resigned amid leadership disputes, officials said.
McNeill, appointed by the Borough Council following the departure of the previous interim chief and multiple volunteers, outlined a 100-day plan focused on boosting morale, expanding recruitment, improving emergency readiness, enhancing medical training and promoting transparency within the department.
More than half of the department left in recent weeks after council decisions to open the fire chief search to outside candidates triggered controversy and departures, leaving approximately 15 volunteers on the roster, department officials reported.
To address immediate staffing gaps and maintain emergency services, McNeill said the department is relying on mutual aid agreements with neighboring districts and is actively interviewing three applicants to fill vacancies.
The Borough Council hosted an open discussion with remaining members and the community to identify challenges, solutions and ways to strengthen commitment to the fire service moving forward, McNeill said.
McNeill, who also leads a first responder peer support nonprofit and has extensive public safety experience, said rebuilding trust among volunteers, residents and local government will be a priority as efforts continue.