HARTFORD 鈥 After 35 years of service to the Hartford community and its neighbors with Hartford Fire & Rescue, Chief Paul Stephans is calling it a career.
Stephans began his service with Hartford Fire & Rescue in 1991 as a lieutenant; he was the first full-time employee at the department. From there, he rose through the ranks, becoming deputy chief in 1994, assistant chief in 1996 until finally earning the title of chief 10 years later in 2006. Under his leadership, Hartford Fire & Rescue has consistently ranked among the top fire departments in the state.
Hartford Mayor Timothy Michalak had only kind words to say about Stephans, and wished him well in his retirement.
"Chief Stephans will be missed by this city more than I have the words to adequately express," said Michalak. "I鈥檝e never heard him speak an ill of, I鈥檝e never heard him say a foul word, and he commanded the #1 rated paidon call fire department in the state. We definitely look forward to seeing him as much as possible at our city in his extraordinarily well-deserved retirement. God bless that man."
Hartford City Administrator Steve Volkert also spared a few kind words, emphasizing Stephans鈥 dedication to his work, and the professionalism that he conducted himself with over the course of his career.
鈥淎nyone can come into an organization and do a job, but a very elite group of people actually live their profession. Paul Stephans has completely dedicated his life to this profession, this organization and most importantly, to the residents we serve in this fire district,鈥 said Volkert. 鈥淢ore than that, Paul is an outstanding human being in how he has showed respect and compassion for everyone he came in contact with. He will be missed.鈥
Today is Stephans鈥 last official day with the department, and now he can look forward to some well-deserved rest. According to Stephans, while he loves his job and the opportunity to serve his community, the free time will allow him to better focus on his family, from which he has been pulled away all too often.
鈥淲hen I have to leave Easter Sunday, or one of the grandkids鈥 birthday parties because duty calls, I鈥檓 just ready to not have to worry about that anymore,鈥 said Stephans. 鈥淲e鈥檙e expecting our fourth grandchild in June, and I鈥檓 looking forward to doing more things with them.鈥
In his stead, Tony Burgard will take over the reigns at the helm of Hartford Fire & Rescue, and Stephans expressed great confidence in Burgard鈥檚 ability to lead the organization into the future.
鈥淚鈥檓 very pleased with the choice that the City of Hartford Police and Fire Commission made in my replacement in Chief Tony Burgard,鈥 said Stephans. 鈥淚 think the department is going to be left in good hands.鈥
As Stephans leaves the fire service, he left behind a few words of advice for those who currently work at the department as well as those who join in the future: never forget why they do it.
鈥淪erve with humility, and remember that we are dealing with human lives. Whether you think someone needs you or not, they think they need you, and you should serve accordingly,鈥 said Stephans. 鈥淓verybody in life has a cross to bear, and if we can come and lighten that person鈥檚 cross on any given day, keep that as the reason you鈥檙e doing it.鈥