Nicholas Marsan - Fire Chief

Nick Marsan started his career with the Westport Fire Department as a career firefighter in 2007. Upon graduation from the Connecticut Fire Academy, he was assigned to Platoon 3 where he served as a firefighter for nine years. In 2016, he was promoted to Fire Inspector and was assigned to the Fire Marshal's Office for 12 months before being promoted to Lieutenant. Nick served 5 years as an Engine Company Lieutenant, most of which was spent at Station 4 in Saugatuck. He was promoted to Deputy Chief of Department in January of 2022 and promoted to Fire Chief in July of 2024. 

Nick is a veteran of the US Army and the CT Army National Guard. In 2010 he was deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Nick was the recipient of the Army Commendation Medal for Valor for actions during operations in Afghanistan and here at home has been the recipient of two Westport Rotary Public Protection & Safety Awards, and two unit citations.

Nick is an EMT, a graduate of the Connecticut Fire Academy Class #41, a nationally certified Fire Service Instructor III and Fire Officer III. He is a state certified Fire Marshal and, prior to his appointment to Deputy Chief, served the communities of Norwalk and Darien as a Fire Inspector and also served as president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Association, Local 1081. He is a State Fire Instructor for the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control. Nick is a graduate of Fairfield Prep and holds a Masters in Public Administration and Emergency Management from Sacred Heart University and a Masters in History from Western Connecticut State University.

 Matthew Cohen - Deputy Fire Chief

Deputy Chief Matthew Cohen has worked for the Westport Fire Department since 2001 and was promoted to his current position in May of 2024. He has worked as a Lieutenant on engines, the ladder, and the rescue. He has served as the Director of Communications, Fire/Police Diver and team leader, Fairfield County Hazmat Command and Communications Co-Chairperson, a representative on the regional emergency services function committee 2, provided project management for various town and fire department projects. He has a BS in Public Safety Administration, a BS equivalent as a Managing Fire Officer, and an MS in Organizational Effectiveness and Leadership with a business concentration.

Terrence Dunn - Fire Marshal

Terry was hired as a Westport Firefighter in October of 2003. He was promoted to the rank of Fire Inspector in 2009. A graduate of the University of New Haven, Terry holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Arson Investigation with a minor in Criminal Justice. Along with being certified by the State of Connecticut as a Fire Marshal, he is also licensed as an Assistant Building Official. Terry is the first Vice President of the Connecticut Fire Marshal’s Association, a member of the Fairfield/New Haven County Fire Marshal’s Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators and District 8 Building Official’s Association.

Jason Kronenberger - Assistant Chief of Training

Jason Kronenberger is a 20 year veteran of the Westport Fire Department, having joined the department as a firefighter in 2004. He was promoted to Lieutenant in June 2015, assigned to Platoon 1 as Truck Lieutenant. He is certified as SCOTT SCBA Technician, supervise in house repair shop, and serves as the Department's Uniform Officer. Jason was promoted to his current role as the Training Officer in May of 2024.

Prior to joining the Westport Fire Department, served 7 years in US Coast Guard, earning the rank of First Class Petty Officer as a Damage Controlman.

Brett Kirby - Assistant Chief

Brett Kirby is a 25 year veteran of the Westport  Fire Department, having joined the department as a firefighter in 1997. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2008 and was subsequently promoted to Assistant Chief in 2017; he is currently assigned as the commander of platoon 1. He is a former member of the combined Police / Fire Dive Rescue team and the Regional Communications Response Team.

Assistant Chief Kirby is responsible for the Information Technology Infrastructure and Management Information Services within the fire department. He was a founding member of the State of Connecticut Urban Search & Rescue Team, is currently an adjunct instructor for the Connecticut Fire Academy and is also a lead instructor for the Fairfield Regional Fire School.

Philip Hessberger - Assistant Chief

Assistant Chief Phil Hessberger joined the FD in September of 2003. He was promoted to Lieutenant 2016 and Shift Commander in 2017. 

Phil, a paramedic, has a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and holds many certifications from the Connecticut Fire Academy including Fire Officer 2 and Fire Service Instructor 2.

Jeffrey Gootman - Assistant Chief

Jeffrey Gootman joined the Westport Fire Department in 2004. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2015 and promoted to Assistant Chief in 2017. AC Gootman is a graduate of the University of New Haven where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Fire Science Administration. AC Gootman is a certified Fire Officer II and Fire Instructor III. AC Gootman is the Shift Commander of Platoon 3.

Brian Meadows - Assistant Chief

Brian Meadows started his career with the Westport Fire Department as a career firefighter in 2001.  

He has worked as an Assistant Chief since 2014, responsible for overseeing 4 stations with a staff of 15 Firefighters and Officers. Prior to becoming Assistant Chief, he worked as a Lieutenant for 5 years on Engine, Truck and Heavy Rescue companies.

Assistant Chief Meadows is the Chief Officer responsible for Technical Rescue, Driver training, Preplans and Grant writing. Also, Assistant Chief Meadows was a member of the joint Police/ Fire Dive Rescue team for 7 years, serving as Fire department team leader.