Hartford Fire Department cites new recruits, apparatus deliveries and accreditation; outlines replacement needs

Chief Cheek Barco of the Hartford Fire Department told the City Council Quality of Life and Public Safety Committee on Sept. 11 that the department recently graduated a recruit academy class, took possession of two prebuilt apparatus, and earned reaccreditation for five years.

Barco said the department held a promotion and graduation ceremony the prior Friday. He reported 10 promotees — including two captains, three lieutenants and five drivers — and that 24 probationary firefighters completed the recruit academy. Barco also provided a demographic breakdown on the recruit class in his slides and described the department's planned succession and firehouse renovation work.

Barco said the department received two prebuilt apparatus from a company he identified as Bulldog and that the vehicles were in the equipment maintenance division for…