On Friday, July 26, the Wilton Fire Department held a swearing-in ceremony for its most recent firefighter hire, Timothy LeStrange from Shelton.
LeStrange is a recent graduate of Recruit Class 73 at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks. He will spend several weeks on daytime shifts working and training with Wilton firefighters before being assigned to his permanent shift.
LeStrange brings with him a deep base of experience. Before being hired by Wilton, he began as a volunteer firefighter with the Huntington Fire Co. #3 in Shelton, rising to the rank of lieutenant. He is certified to the level of Firefighter 2 as well as the Hazardous Material Operational Level.
LeStrange has been employed as an emergency services dispatcher for Meriden, Shelton and Weston, and he is also an emergency medical technician and is licensed to drive fire apparatus in Connecticut. He is a graduate of Shelton High School and is enrolled at Gateway Community College.
Wilton Fire Chief James Blanchfield said he’s pleased to have LeStrange join the Wilton Fire Department.
“When an individual begins his or her career in the fire service, they are truly starting a new chapter. They will be entering an entirely new way of life and with it, adding a second family. With the way a firefighter’s shift works, they will spend many birthdays, holidays, snow storms and extended tours away from the homefront. So it’s not just Tim that’s joining the ranks of Wilton, it’s his family as well,” Blanchfield said.
