The Harp administration reacted to concerns over decisions made at the scene of the Delaney’s fire by naming a new assistant chief in charge of oeprations.
Mayor Toni Harp named Battalion Chief Thomas Neville to the post Friday. The post had been vacant since June 30.
Harp acted a day after the Independent reported that Neville and other battalion chiefs had made an unusual public stand against decisions by fire brass at the scene of the Aug. 25 blaze that destroyed Delaney’s Restaurant and Tap Room at the corner of Whalley and Central avenues. They argued that firefighters’ lives were improperly put at risk. (Click here to read about that controversy.)
Neville will hold the job provisionally for up to 90 days pending his successful completion of a civil service exam.
“Neville has more than 20 years’ experience with the department, rising through the ranks while serving with Engine 6, Engine 4, and at Fire Headquarters. Acting Assistant Chief Neville was also an adjunct instructor at the New Haven Fire Academy for two years,” a mayoral press release stated. The release quoted Harp as saying: “I’m pleased we now have this experienced veteran of our department in this important command position.”
Contributed Photos
Meanwhile, Anna Liffey’s downtown held a fundraiser Saturday night for tenants displaced by the Delaney’s fire and employees who lost their jobs. Pictured at the event: Delaney’s General Manager Sarah Donroe, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, state Rep. Pat Dillon. More photos from the event:
David Sepulveda Photos
