FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Eric G. Castater, Assistant to Mayor James R. Miron: 203.385.4001

Mayor Miron Announces New Deputy Fire Chief

Stratford, Connecticut (August 31, 2009) – Mayor Jim Miron announced today that Curtis Maffett has been hired to serve as Stratford’s new Deputy Fire Chief.

Maffett served for 34 years with the City of Columbia, South Carolina’s 350 plus person Fire Department. During his tenure he came up through the ranks, eventually holding all Officer positions. Most recently, Maffett served as Assistant Chief of Human Resources after being Assistant Chief of Support Services, and Assistant Chief of Operations.

“We conducted a nationwide search for the individual with the best education, training, and experience for this position,” said Mayor Miron. “Curtis Maffett is an exceptional individual with an impressive career in the Fire Services and all Stratford residents should feel confident and secure with this addition to our Fire Department.”

An opening for the Deputy Fire Chief position occurred earlier this year when the former Deputy Fire Chief, Michael Hostetter, retired.

The Town of Stratford hired two consulting firms, Randi Frank Consulting, LLC out of Wallingford, Connecticut and Slavin Management Consultants out of Norcross, Georgia to help in the nationwide search for a Deputy Fire Chief. Advertisements for the position were made in various media outlets.

Maffett began his service with what was then Columbia’s Fire Services in 1972. He was promoted to Captain in 1987, Battalion Chief in 1994 and Assistant Chief in 1997. The Fire Services changed its name to the Columbia Fire and Rescue in the early 1990s. Maffet retired in June 2006 as Assistant Chief of Human Resources for Fire and Rescue.

The New Deputy Fire Chef has received a special diploma from the Fire Executive Development Institute at Dillard University along with certifications from The United States Department of Homeland Security; Black Chief Officers Committee; Rockhurst University; The National Fire Academy; South Carolina Fire Academy and the Carl Holmes Executive Development Institute.

“Curtis has a wide range of experience, including line service and holding all Officer positions, in a much larger Department,” said Stratford Fire Chief James Cavanaugh. “His diverse experience and extensive qualities will greatly enhance our Town’s Fire Department.”

Maffett is also a member of several organizations, including The International Association of Fire Chiefs; Southeastern Association of Fire Chiefs; Black Chief Officers Committee and International Association of Black Professional Fire Fighters.

Deputy Fire Chief Maffett will begin his permanent employment with the Town effective immediately and will be paid an annual salary of $85,000.

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To contact Deputy Fire Chief Curtis Maffett you may call 203-385-4071 or email at cmaffett@townofstratford.com.