http://www.stamfordadvocate.com/news/local/scn-sa-nor.chief3apr08,0,5552327.story?coll=stam-news-local-headlines
By Matt Breslow
Staff Writer
April 8, 2004
NORWALK -- Four firefighters were sworn in yesterday-- three
rookies, and the man who has worked for Norwalk longer than any
other city employee.
Sanford Anderson, who joined the Norwalk Fire Department in 1959,
was officially promoted from assistant chief to chief during a
special meeting of the Board of Fire Commissioners at City Hall.
"Sanford Anderson is being appointed chief of the Fire
Department of the city of Norwalk because he is a superb
firefighter and has done that his whole life," Mayor Alex
Knopp said, bringing the crowd that packed the Common Council
Chambers to its feet.
A second, much longer standing ovation occurred after Knopp, a
fire commissioner, swore in Anderson as the successor to retired
Chief James Verda.
"Yes!" Anderson said, pumping his fists after taking
the oath.
The crowd of about 150 people -- including many of Anderson's own
men and fire officials from Westport, Fairfield, Southport and
Rowayton -- stood and cheered loudly.
Anderson then stood at the podium and reflected on his lengthy
career, recalling how he rose through the ranks by working hard
to perform well on promotion exams. Yesterday aside, the only
time Anderson gained a rank by appointment was when he became
assistant chief, he said.
Anderson, who gave recognition to many family members in
attendance, including his wife, Josephine, his mother and two
daughters, pledged to do his best to help the citizens of Norwalk
as long as he heads the fire department. Norwalk's first black
firefighter, Anderson, 71, also is the department's first black
chief.
The contract he began serving under yesterday expires in one
year. In the meantime, the city will conduct a national search
for a permanent chief.
Knopp praised Verda, whose last day as chief was marked with a
celebration at Charles A. Volk Central Fire Station before
yesterday's commission meeting. The city's firefighters are
better trained and use better equipment since Verda became chief
in 1997, the mayor said.
"Because of Chief Verda's work, Norwalk is a better place
today," Knopp said.
In addition to Anderson's promotion, the other item on the fire
commission's agenda was swearing in three new firefighters:
Ronald Kayal, Greg DiGiovanni and Leonard Coleman.
Commission Chairman Michael Corsello hailed the new firemen's
hard work, saying the exam required to join the department is
"rigorous" and hundreds of people apply.
"And this is the cream of the crop. They scored very high .
. . and I'm sure that didn't happen by accident or luck,"
Corsello said.
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