By Sentinel Staff
The New Canaan Fire Commission approved minutes from two recent meetings, received operational and fire-prevention updates from department leadership, postponed a budget vote pending further clarification from the finance department, and heard an announcement from Chairman Jack Horner that he will retire when his appointment expires on Dec. 1.
The commission approved the minutes from its Oct. 14 regular meeting and the Nov. 4 special meeting without changes. Commissioners Robert Fields and Beth Apy-Jones joined Horner for the session at headquarters.
Chief Albe Bassett delivered the operational report for October, highlighting 22 fire-prevention details completed during the month, including visits to schools and multi-unit residences. Bassett noted several communications sent to the department, including appreciation from Phil Treglia, who thanked firefighters for assisting him with a disabled vehicle outside the firehouse, and a message from EMS acknowledging cooperation during a recent traumatic incident.
The department handled 119 calls in October, including three fires. Fire Marshal Paul Payne reported on each incident. He said a ceiling-mounted fixture fire was contained due to appropriate fire-resistant construction around the unit. A second incident at 107 Woodridge Circle involved a lithium-ion battery fire in a garage. Payne said investigators completed two site visits and determined the cause was related to battery equipment charging. The third incident, a brush fire at 33 Weeburn Drive, began in a pine grove and was traced to landscape lighting that had ignited accumulated debris.
Payne also reported on a recent alarm activation at 212 Elm Street, where the town has leased space for the relocation of the alternative high school. Dust from ongoing work had triggered the fire alarm system, which was adjusted following the response.
Assistant Chief Bob Parrett provided updates on department training, noting continued focus on refining incident-command procedures and first-arriving operations. Parrett told the commission that the department has been emphasizing the initial phases of response, including hose deployment and officer development programming.
Bassett reviewed the status of the apparatus fleet, reporting several vehicles scheduled for repair and maintenance. He confirmed that work is being staggered to keep adequate equipment in service.
The commission then reviewed the preliminary draft of the FY26–27 budget. Several payroll-related line items submitted by the finance office shortly before the meeting required clarification. Horner said the commission could not proceed with a vote until the department received the corrected figures. Commissioners agreed to table the matter until the December meeting.
Before adjourning, Horner delivered a statement outlining major departmental accomplishments during his tenure, which spans two decades. He cited the hiring of full-time leadership positions, restructuring of the Fire Marshal’s Office, expansion of daily staffing, upgrades to the apparatus fleet, and growth of public education programs. After listing those achievements, he informed the board that his service will conclude next month. “My appointment expires December the first of this year. I am announcing my retirement,” he said.
The commission will next meet on Dec. 9 at 5:00 p.m. at headquarters.
