Brian “Bubba” Whalen
candidate for
Fire Commissioner
Brian “Bubba” Whalen
I am happy to once again be endorsed by the Newington Democratic Town Committee as a candidate to serve on the Newington Fire Commission. I joined the Newington Fire Department in November of 1980 and have 42 years of continued service. Currently I serve as the Chairperson of the Newington Fire Commission, having been elected to that position in 2019, and am a Firefighter at Company #2 on Richard Street.
A fourth-generation firefighter, I am the father of three grown children, and my twin sons continue to carry on the family tradition as firefighters in New Haven and Myrtle Beach. I have six amazing grandchildren that I hope one day will also carry on the family tradition of public service.
As a member of the Newington Fire Commission, it is my job to make sure the dedicated members of this elite firefighting force have the most up-to-date, tools, equipment, training, personal protective gear, knowledge, and resources to continue to provide a top-notch firefighting service to the residents and visitors of the Newington community.
The Commission is constantly looking for ways to save the taxpayers of Newington hard-earned dollars without jeopardizing the safety of its members. In the last two years, we have applied for and received two grants – one in the amount of $47,000 from Firehouse subs for much needed hurst tool rescue equipment for Rescue One, stationed on Main Street. The second grant in the amount of $45,000 was awarded to us by the federal government under the S.A.F.E.R. grant for recruitment and retention.
There are many new challenges ahead, and I pledge to work hard to ensure Newington’s Volunteer Fire Department is second to none and continues to protect our citizens!