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Middletown council confirms and swears in Robert McCauley as fire chief
Summary
The Town of Middletown council voted to confirm Robert McCauley as fire chief, approved his compensation and contract language, and held a public swearing-in at the council meeting following an executive session.
The Town of Middletown council on the evening of the meeting confirmed Robert McCauley as the town's fire chief and swore him into office.
Council members voted to confirm McCauley’s appointment, approve his compensation and finalize improvements to his contract before conducting the swearing-in at the council meeting. The motion to confirm was made from the floor and seconded; the council voice vote was recorded as unanimous ("Aye").
Why it matters: The confirmation formalizes leadership for the Middletown Fire Department after an extended acting period; councilors praised McCauley’s internal leadership and urged development of a formal succession plan to support future internal promotions.
Council remarks and department context Council President (name not specified in the transcript) and other members complimented McCauley’s service, noting he stepped up after prior chiefs resigned and ran the department in an acting capacity. The council speaker said McCauley “stood tall” and that promoting from within is a priority for the town’s departments. The council also directed attention to succession planning so that rank-and-file firefighters can see career advancement opportunities.
McCauley’s remarks In brief remarks after the swearing-in, McCauley thanked family and colleagues and pledged to lead “with transparency, dedication, and heart.” He acknowledged former mentors including Chief Ron Dohrey and said the role is “not about me — it’s about us,” naming the men and women of the Middletown Fire Department as his focus.
Related administrative actions At the same meeting the council also voted to seal the executive session minutes in accordance with the cited law (see authorities). Council minutes and the finalized contract language will be handled through the town administrator’s office, per council direction.
What’s next The contract and compensation approved at the meeting will be implemented by the town administrator’s office; council members asked staff to return with any necessary follow-up materials or scheduling for a formal succession plan for the fire department.
