Longtime Manchester Fire Chief To Retire In 2021

MANCHESTER, CT — Manchester Fire Chief David Billings has announced his intention to retire in the early part of 2021 after a career spanning more than three decades.

Billings made the announcement with town officials Thursday.

"It is has been the honor of a lifetime to lead and work with the dedicated men and women of Manchester Fire-Rescue-EMS, who are second to none when it comes to professionalism, service, and dedication to the Manchester community," Billings said. "I am tremendously proud of what we have accomplished and I leave with the utmost confidence that the department will continue its commitment to providing the highest level of service and making a difference in the lives of the people living in and visiting Manchester."

Billings has served as Fire Chief since 2014 and has served as a "career" firefighter for nearly 26 years. Before that, he was a captain for five years in the Manchester Volunteer Fire Department.

As the fire chief, Billings has also served as the town's emergency management
director.

Prior to becoming chief, he served as assistant chief for nearly four years.

"Dave Billings' contributions to MFRE and the community at large will show dividends for years to come, Manchester General Manager Scott Shanley said. "We are grateful for the spirit of service, excellence, and professionalism he has brought as Fire Chief and Emergency Management Director. He leaves big shoes to fill."

Under Billings' leadership, the MFRE has focused on community-based fire services, rapid response times, technology and equipment improvements and personnel development. The department adopted a "high performance" CPR approach to cardiac arrest resuscitation that has resulted in local cardiac survival rates nearly twice the national average.

Billings also spearheaded efforts to address the "lack of diversity among emergency responders," and helped launch a pilot paramedic training program at Manchester High School to "encourage a wider and more representative array of interest in the fire and emergency medical fields."

Said Mayor Jay Moran, "Chief Billings has devoted three decades of his life to serving and protecting the great people of Manchester. On behalf of a grateful community, we sincerely thank him for all he has accomplished and wish him a long, happy, and healthy retirement."

The town has partnered with Strategic Government Resources to conduct a nationwide search for the town's next Fire chief, and is seeking input from Manchester residents to help guide selection and recruitment strategies.

An online community survey, available in English, Spanish and Bengali is available.

The topics in the survey include desired attributes and qualities for the new fire chief, as well as top community issues and priorities related to public safety and emergency management.

Feedback on the process may also be made directly to Deputy General Manager Steve Stephanou via sstephanou@manchesterct.gov and 860-647-3123.