Torrington Board of Safety approves David Tripp as fire chief, effective Aug. 21

The Torrington Board of Safety voted 5–1 at a special meeting on Aug. 20, 2025, to appoint Deputy Chief David Tripp as chief of the Torrington Fire Department, with the appointment effective Aug. 21, 2025.

The vote took place during a short special meeting held in the auditorium. A motion to "accept the recommendation of the search committee to appoint deputy chief David Tripp to the office of chief of the Torrington Fire Department effective August 21" was made and seconded; the board chair called for a vote that carried 5 in favor and 1 opposed. The meeting record does not attach individual yes/no votes to member names in the transcript provided.

No public comment was taken; meeting organizers noted that because this was a special meeting there was no opportunity for public participation. Following the vote, the board administered an oath of office to Tripp. The board and Chief Tripp said they plan a formal pinning ceremony after Labor Day; a date was not specified.

Attendance at the meeting included board members participating in person and remotely. Commissioners Joe McElroy and Commissioner Cogswell participated by Zoom. Commissioners Young, Benedetto, McLeod and Battle attended in person. The mayor presided; the mayor's name was not specified in the transcript.

The action replaces the department's leadership by elevating the deputy chief to chief, effective the day after the special meeting. The board did not discuss budgetary or policy changes tied to the appointment during the record of this meeting.

The board adjourned after administering the oath and confirming plans for a later pinning ceremony.