New Deputy Fire Chief Appointed In Stratford

STRATFORD, CT — Eric T. Heath has been named the new deputy fire chief for Stratford, Mayor Laura R. Hoydick announced Friday.

Heath comes to Stratford from Southington, where he most recently served as fire chief – a post he held since 2022.

Heath will replace James Buck, who left last year to become Wallingford’s fire chief. Heath’s appointment is effective Oct. 2.

“Eric Heath has had a distinguished career in the Town of Southington, and brings a tremendous skill set and base of experience to our department here in Stratford,” Hoydick said. “I am confident that Deputy Chief Heath, joining with Chief Jermaine Atkinson, will add tremendously to the leadership team that manages our dedicated professional firefighters. We look forward to his contributions to Stratford.”

Heath holds master’s degree in Public Administration and Emergency Services Management. He is a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program and a designated Chief Fire Officer (CFO) through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

“I’m pleased to welcome Deputy Chief Heath to the Stratford Fire Department,” Stratford Fire Chief Jermaine Atkinson said. “He has a wealth of knowledge in many areas and is a well-respected leader in the fire service both locally and nationally. I look forward to the continued growth of the department with his addition to our leadership team.”

Since joining the Southington Fire Department in 1999, Heath rose through the ranks from firefighter to lieutenant, captain, battalion chief, and assistant chief before being appointed chief in 2022, according to a news release. He has also served as Southington’s fire marshal and deputy emergency management director.

“I am excited as I step into the role of Deputy Fire Chief for the Town of Stratford,” Heath said. “The Town and the department offers unique opportunities that I am both eager to take on as well as challenge myself with while continuing to assist in the continued growth and success of the Stratford Fire Department. I look forward to working for and alongside Chief Atkinson and all the members of the department to pursue continued excellence in our commitment to serving the citizens and visitors of Stratford.”