Borough removes ‘acting’ from fire marshal’s title

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NAUGATUCK — The borough’s long-time acting fire marshal has officially stepped into the role.

For more than five years Robert Weaver, who has been with the department for nearly 28 years, served as the assistant fire marshal and the acting fire marshal.

The Board of Mayor and Burgesses last week approved a two-year contract, which went into effect on Sunday, to officially hire Weaver as fire marshal.

Weaver’s salary is $80,000 in the first year of the contract and $81,600 in the second year. In addition, he will receive a uniform allowance of $1,300 per year, under the contract.

Under the contract, the borough will provide a high deductible healthcare plan with a $2,000/$4,000 yearly deductible for Weaver. Weaver will have to pay a 6 percent premium cost share.

The contract also stipulates that Weaver will receive a vehicle to use “in fulfilling his duties and responsibilities as fire marshal only.” The vehicle’s use is limited to job-related travel, driving to and from work, and while he is on call.

A message left with Weaver seeking comment wasn’t returned as of this post.

Mayor N. Warren “Pete” Hess said officially naming Weaver fire marshal will ensure the borough has a qualified fire marshal to make sure existing buildings are safe and new buildings are given a proper review. Hess added Weaver is talented at reviewing plans.

“Given the fact we are going to have quite a few larger downtown development projects and other development projects, it is important we have a fire marshal that can deal with new construction and also understands some of the intricacies in our older buildings, especially older historical buildings like Salem School and Hillside School,” Hess said.

Fire Chief Ellen Murray concurred.

“He’s an extremely competent fire marshal, and I think he is an asset to the town and to the department. He’s been in the department for quite a while. He knows the towns and knows the buildings, and I think he is going to do a wonderful job,” Murray said.