Somers Fire Chief Resigns Unexpectedly, Officials Say

SOMERS, CT — The Somers Board of Selectmen voted to accept the resignation of Fire Chief David Lenart during its December 18th meeting, following an extended discussion focused mainly on the timing of his departure.

Lenart submitted a written resignation earlier in the week, asking that it take effect on December 31st, according to statements made during the meeting. According to the selectmen, his employment contract allows him to resign at any time, provided the first selectman is given at least 60 days’ written notice. After discussion, the board agreed to accept the resignation effective February 7th, 2026, following negotiations over a transition period.

First Selectman Tim Keeney praised Lenart’s performance, saying the fire department is “in really solid shape” and that operational improvements made over the past year and a half had been “certainly impressive.” Keeney also said he was surprised by the timing of the resignation and raised concerns about communication related to Lenart’s ability to meet the town’s residency requirement.

“I was a little surprised when you gave your resignation letter two days ago,” Keeney said.

“I hope you were sitting down when you got it,” Lenart responded.

Selectman Robert Schmidt said he was also surprised by the resignation, adding, “Yeah, I fell on the floor — I’m being sarcastic — but I was surprised.” Schmidt said he believed Lenart was still seeking housing in Somers based on their most recent conversations.

Keeney said the board had been open to flexibility, noting the residency requirement had already been extended once at Lenart’s request. He said additional options were discussed, including further extensions or other forms of assistance to help Lenart comply.

During the meeting, board members discussed waiving the residency requirement again through March 1, 2026, to allow more time for a transition.

Selectman William Meier praised Lenart’s tenure and said he personally hoped the chief would remain longer.

“It’s been a successful run. I think you’ve done a good job,” Meier said. “I don’t want to say I was disappointed, but personally, I liked having you as the chief.”

Lenart asked the board to set his final day earlier than the full 60 days required by contract, citing his desire to begin other employment sooner. After discussion, the board proposed a compromise date of February 7th, aligning with the end of a pay period.

The discussion became pointed when Keeney asked whether Lenart would commit to being at the department five days a week during the transition.

“I’m not going five days a week. I continually work four days a week. My contract doesn’t say five days,” Lenart said.

“Your contract doesn’t say four days either,” Keeney responded, adding that he believed five days a week were appropriate given the department’s needs.

Lenart said his decision was driven by family priorities and his understanding that December 31st represented a firm residency deadline under his contract. Keeney disputed that interpretation, noting that the board had already extended previous deadlines and that they could have been reconsidered.

Following further discussion, Lenart agreed to remain through February 7th while continuing to work four 10-hour days per week, saying he would give “100 percent” effort through the end of his tenure. Meier then moved to accept the resignation, effective as of that date, and the board approved it.

Lenart was appointed fire chief in July 2024. He officially began his role on July 8th, 2024, bringing with him years of experience in fire and EMS services. Prior to coming to Somers, Lenart worked for the City of Bridgeport Fire Department, most recently serving as a lieutenant on the rescue company. He has also served as a volunteer in Derby with the fire department and the Storm Ambulance & Rescue Corps, and previously held chief roles with both organizations.

The resignation was listed as a formal agenda item under new business at the December 18th Somers Board of Selectmen meeting.

Patch reached out to the first selectman and the fire chief for additional comment.