New Canton Fire Chief Appointed

Information via Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department

CANTON, CT — The Canton Board of Selectmen Friday announced the appointment of Johnathan Gotsaki as Chief of Department, for Town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department.

Gotaski comes from a long line of Canton firefighters and community leaders. His grandfather John Gotaski and grand-uncle Michael were Charter members of the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Department, Inc; one of three predecessor fire organizations which ultimately consolidated into today’s Town of Canton Volunteer Fire and EMS Department. The legacy continues with Gotaski’s father, Tom, who currently serves as the Department’s Chief Engineer, managing all apparatus.

Gotaski began his Canton volunteer fire service as a 14-year old Cadet in 2006. He quickly moved up the Department’s Officer ranks, while aggressively pursuing Fire and EMS training opportunities, and contributing to special projects focused on: member recruitment/retention, apparatus/equipment procurement, budgets/finance. He holds State of CT certifications in: Firefighter I and II; Fire Officer 1; specialized training in Aerial, Hazardous Materials and Pump Operations; and Confined Space Rescue. Gotaski is also a State certified EMT and an Instructor with Hartford County Fire School. His most recent position in the Department was as Assistant Chief of Fire Operations.

Gotaski continued to pursue his passion by graduating with a degree in Fire Science from Capital Community College, in 2013. In 2015 he was hired, by the City of New Haven, CT as a career (paid) firefighter.

The Department’s Deputy Chief of Training, Joe Ouimette, will be promoted to Assistant Chief of Fire Operations.

Bob Bessel, First Selectman: We look forward to the Department’s continued dedication to excellence, professionalism and commitment to service, under the leadership of Chief Gotaski.

Gotaski is known for his attention to detail; expecting one hundred percent, 100% of the time; and taking pride and ownership in the Department - its membership, three firehouses, apparatus, training, policy and procedures.

Johnathan Gotaski, Chief of Department: It is with deep humility that I accept this responsibility to our members, Canton’s residents and businesses. I take all the lessons learned from the past, and pledge to meet the ever-changing challenges before us. I am excited to move forward with the road map, outlined in the Department’s Strategic Plan, to pursue a path for the ideal future that will drive our membership, control our budget and manage our operations.