Stamford, CT – In cooperation with Mayor Caroline Simmons, the Stamford Fire Department is excited to announce a significant enhancement to our community’s emergency response capabilities. Effective July 1, 2024, at 08:00 AM, the northern part of Stamford will have a dedicated career Incident Commander, known as Unit 5, to serve the newly designated “Northern District.” This area extends from Bulls Head and Glenbrook, northward to New Canaan and the New York State line.  Unit 5 will be stationed at the Turn of River Fire Station at 268 Turn of River Road.

With this addition, Stamford will now have two incident commanders citywide, improving our ability to respond promptly and effectively to emergencies across the city.

What is an Incident Commander?
An Incident Commander is a crucial figure during emergency responses, responsible for the overall management and coordination of the incident. Their duties include assessing the incident, establishing command and control, setting priorities, allocating resources, ensuring safety protocols are followed, and directing responding units and support agencies. The Incident Commander plays a vital role in making critical decisions to control the incident, protect lives and property, and facilitate a successful resolution.

Benefits of Adding a Second Incident Commander:

• Faster Response Times: With Unit 5 dedicated to the Northern District, residents and businesses in this area will benefit from quicker response times. Currently, the Central District's Incident Commander, Unit 4, often has to respond to incidents in the north, which can take up to 20 minutes or more during peak traffic times.
• Enhanced Coverage and Support: The addition of a second Incident Commander provides a backup when one is already engaged in an emergency. This ensures that no area of Stamford is left without leadership during critical incidents.
• Improved Incident Management: At major incidents such as high-rise fires or large-scale emergencies, the second Incident Commander can assist, providing additional expertise and coordination to manage complex incidents more effectively.

Why Now?
Stamford has experienced significant growth over the past few decades, with an expanding population and increased traffic contributing to a busier and more complex urban landscape. The Stamford Fire Department has seen its response area grow, particularly as it supports the city’s five volunteer fire companies. The rising call volume and busier streets necessitate a more localized and efficient emergency response system.

Supporting Our Community
The Stamford Fire Department is committed to enhancing public safety and ensuring that all residents receive the highest standard of emergency services. The introduction of Unit 5 is a proactive step to meet the demands of our growing city and to provide timely and efficient emergency response to all our communities.

Incident Details (if applicable):

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CONTACT INFO:

Deputy Fire Chief Philip Hayes
(203) 977-5600

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