| Norwalk Professional Firefighters IAFF Local 830 Congratulates Fire Chief Gino Gatto on your retirement and Fire Chief Edward McCabe and Assistant Fire Chief of Operations Timothy Reardon on their new promotions!
After 43 years and 5 months of service to the City of Norwalk, Chief Gino Gatto retired from the City of Norwalk Fire Department. His steady leadership for the last 8 years has left the department stronger than he found it. Thank you and enjoy your retirement Chief!
On October 1st, City of Norwalk Mayor Rilling announced that Edward McCabe has been sworn in as Chief of the Norwalk Fire Department, following the retirement of Chief Gino Gatto. McCabe was appointed to serve as Chief by Mayor Rilling and the Norwalk Fire Commission.
"I'm proud to appoint Edward McCabe to Chief of the Norwalk Fire Department," said Mayor Harry Rilling. "Throughout his 31 years of service to the department, McCabe has consistently remained involved in department programs, particularly those related to firefighters' health and safety. He's a long-standing member of the department's Peer Support Program, where he assists other firefighters in coping with stress and offers support and guidance. Norwalk will benefit from his expertise and strong leadership skills. I also want to thank Chief Gatto for serving as Norwalk's Fire Chief for the past eight years and for his 43 years of dedicated service to the department. We appreciate his devotion to the community and wish him a well-deserved retirement."
Chief Edward McCabe joined the ranks of the Norwalk Fire Department on November 1, 1994, just months after completing his bachelor's degree at Saint Michael's College. Quickly earning fire service certifications and becoming involved in department committees, he was elected Secretary of Norwalk Firefighters Local 830, a position he served in for several years.
In 2000, McCabe was promoted to lieutenant. In the ensuing years, he became the department's quartermaster, issuing stronger leather fire helmets and redesigning their protective equipment to exceed industry standards for safety. In 2008, McCabe was one of the first two lieutenants assigned to NFD Rescue Company 2.
In 2009, McCabe was promoted to captain, where he played a key role in redesigning Norwalk's ladder trucks. He introduced a tractor-drawn aerial design that significantly enhanced maneuverability and provided a more comprehensive array of ground ladders and rescue tools.
In 2021, McCabe was promoted to Assistant Chief of Operations, where he formed mutual aid agreements for multiple alarm fires, updated Standard Operating Procedures for truck and rescue companies, and added a specialized highway blocking vehicle to the NFD fleet. The specialized vehicle was designed to protect firefighters from oncoming traffic while operating at emergencies on I-95, the Merritt Parkway and other major roadways.
McCabe has received six department commendations, including four Unit Citations, a 9/11 Service Ribbon, and a Meritorious Service Bar for his actions at a building fire with trapped occupants.
Also officially sworn-in was Norwalk Fire Department Assistant Chief Timothy Reardon, who will now serve as Chief of Operations.
Beginning his career as a firefighter in 2002,Chief Reardon advanced through the ranks as lieutenant, captain, and deputy chief before assuming the role of Chief of Operations.
Known for steady leadership and a commitment to both firefighters and the community, he will oversee daily operations, emergency response, and training across the department. Chief Reardon is passionate about firefighter wellness, health, and professional growth. He was an integral leader of the department’s Peer Support Team for many years. Chief Reardon’s leadership is guided by teamwork, service, and the belief that a department's strength lies in its people.
Chief Reardon has received multiple commendations throughout his career, including two Unit Citations and a Meritorious Service Bar for his actions as Incident Commander during the 2024 Interstate 95 tanker and bridge fire. |
