Mahoney Sworn In As Branford Fire Department’s 10th Chief

Saying ​“we are going to do this together,” Thomas Francis Mahoney, Jr., was sworn in as the fire department’s 10th chief last night as more than 100 people, including the town’s firefighters, top town officials, fire commissioners, family and friends, cheered him on.

“Wow,” Mahoney said immediately after he was sworn in as the 10th chief. ​“There are so many people here to support us,” he said as he took in the packed standing-room-only community room at fire headquarters.

In fact, the room remained standing throughout his acceptance speech. Not one person sat down.

Mahoney Looks Back

He reflected on the beginning of his career, when he was a 21-year-old young man from nearby Madison and wondering what he wanted to do next. He told the audience that he will soon celebrate that day, ​“28 years ago next Thursday.” 

Back then the Madison Fire Department was called the Hose Company. He liked the idea of becoming a volunteer so he walked the downtown strip of the town with a sign saying, ​“I want to be a volunteer firefighter,” a required ritual back then if you wanted to join the Madison Hose Company. He was accepted.

Mahoney arrived at the Branford Fire Department in 1995 and within six years rose to rank of deputy chief. He has overseen to a large degree the fire department’s transition to an emergency paramedic facility. He is currently one of the fire department’s fire service instructors. Click here to read an earlier story.

Massey Administers Oath

Robert Massey, Jr., chair of the Branford Fire Commission, administered the oath of office (top photo) to Mahoney, 49, during the 15-minute ceremony. Massey called the occasion of the swearing in of the 10th chief an historic moment in the department’s 116th year history.

“Tom has truly demonstrated that hard work, ethics, job dedication and training” are the goals that young firefighters should pursue. Mahoney, he said, should be a ​“role model” to show ​“that these qualities pay off.”

The ceremony began at 7 p.m. as members of the New Haven County Firefighters Emerald Society, dressed in traditional kilts and carrying their bag pipes and drums, walked into the room playing their instruments. The ensemble is made up of career firefighters from across the state. The audience stood to welcome them.

The Rev. Sharon Gracen, rector of the Trinity Episcopal Church and the fire department’s chaplain, blessed the occasion, the new chief and the department. She said they daily engage in ​“selfless dedication” to the town.

Assistant Chief Shaun Heffernan, who presided over the ceremony, has returned to his former job as assistant chief after having served as interim fire chief. Heffernan decided not to accept the top post because he has a young family and various academic responsibilities.

First Selectman Jamie Cosgrove praised the department for its ​“seamless transition” during the eight-month search to find a successor for Jack Ahern, who retired last year after serving the department for some 35 years. Human Resources Director Joyce Forte helped the fire commission in the search, which Massey said yielded ” a few trees of resumes to sort through.”

Ahern, one the department’s most respected chiefs, is now running for selectman on the Democratic ticket. Ahern congratulated Mahoney afterwards. 

Cosgrove praised Mahoney for his ​“quiet optimism and confidence” and said he looked forward to working with him. Cosgrove is now seeking re-election on the Republican ticket in November.

A Tribute to Family

Mahoney said he was deeply indebted to his wife, Sherry, for letting him ​“pursue the passion” he has for firefighting and he thanked their children, Sean, 23, Matt, 21 and Tyler, 18, for understanding the demands of the job. 

Here is Sherry Mahoney pinning the chief’s badge on her husband’s jacket.

Deed done.

Looking out at the audience, Mahoney said, ​“I have an awesome responsibility to each and every one of you in this room, a responsibility to keep you safe.”

Then he added, ​“Thank you for giving me this responsibility.”

Applause erupted as Mahoney accepted the leadership of the department. Afterwards, firefighters lined up to shake his hand. Two of them, Capt. Timothy Judd and firefighter Mark Testa (L‑R) carried with them a special symbol, one that weaves together the history, continuity and dedication of the Madison and Branford fire departments. It is a handmade gold leaf chief’s shield given to Mahoney by firefighter Jay McCarthy, one of his oldest friends. McCarthy was a junior fireman when Mahoney started in Madison.
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