New Windham fire marshal hired

Michelle Warren, The Chronicle, Willimantic, Conn.
·2 min read

Jan. 24—WINDHAM — With the approval of the town council, Michael Walker became the new fire marshal last week.

Previously, the position was combined with the emergency management director position and Michael Licata held both roles.

The town, however, decided to separate the two positions, acknowledging the heavy workload for both. 53 year- old Walker was appointed to the position by a unanimous vote during the Jan. 17 town council meeting. The vote was made with the acknowledgement that Windham Human Resources Director Paul Hongo would receive information from the labor attorney, Kristi Kelly, regarding Walker's possible pension.

Walker has been a firefighter in the Willimantic Fire Department for nearly 16 years.

Hongo said as the former deputy fire marshal, Walker was the " front runner" for the position.

" He blew everyone out of the water," he said.

Walker's starting wage in his new position is $39.50 per hour and his wage will increase to $ 40.19 an hour starting July 1, 2023.

He started his new job last week.

In addition to having been a firefighter/ EMT and deputy fire marshal, Walker is a certified paramedic. Windham Mayor Thomas DeVivo said he felt Walker is a good fit for his new job.

" He's well- trained," he said. " He's easy to get along with."

As Hongo explained, Walker has two options — continuing with IAFF Local 1033 pension plan or joining the UPSEU plan.

The decision is ultimately up to Walker.

" Either way, we owe Mr. Walker a pension," Hongo told the council.

The Willimantic Taxing District Board of Directors is expected to weigh in on the issue during their meeting at 7 p. m. at town hall tonight.

One possibility is that the issue could be forwarded to the taxing district's pension committee, which consists of all six members of the board as well as the town treasurer/town clerk, Patricia Spruance, town controller and two representatives from the firefighters' union.

The committee would need to reconvene, as it has not met in several years.

" We want to make sure we don't set a precedent that's going to cause us issues," Windham Town Manager Jim Rivers said, regarding the option to consult with Kelly.

Hongo consulted with Kelly last week, who informed him that if IAFF

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