Norwalk Fire Chief Gatto to Retire; Assistant Chief McCabe Named Successor

Chief Gino Gatto notified the Norwalk Board of Fire Commissioners on Sept. 16 that he will retire effective Sept. 30, 2025, and the board voted the same day to promote Assistant Chief Edward McCabe to fire chief effective Oct. 1, 2025.

Gatto’s retirement letter, read at the meeting, said in part: “Please accept this letter as a formal notification of my retirement from my position as chief of the Norwalk Fire Department effective close of business on 09/30/2025.” He wrote that he has served Norwalk for 43 years and led the department for eight years.

The retirement was acknowledged by the board; the mayor said the commission would “accept with regrets” the letter and extend the department’s thanks. The board then held an executive session for personnel matters; no motions or votes were taken in executive session, and the subsequent public vote promoted Edward McCabe to fire chief by unanimous vote.

Commissioners also voted unanimously to fill McCabe’s assistant chief vacancy by promoting Deputy Chief Reardon to assistant chief, also effective Oct. 1. When taking the vote on the promotions the mayor said, “Congratulations. Godspeed.” McCabe replied, “Great honor to be appointed chief, and I will work hard for Norwalk's firefighters and for the citizens of Norwalk.”

The board noted that Gatto’s retirement cannot be blocked by the commission but expressed appreciation for his service. The promotions were handled in open session and recorded as approved without recorded dissents. No other personnel actions were announced.

Looking ahead, the commission listed its next meeting as Oct. 21, 2025; the new chief’s appointment takes effect Oct. 1. The meeting record states the commission took no formal votes in executive session and that the personnel promotions were approved in public session.