Hartford Deputy Chief, Raul Ortiz, Proposed as New Britain Fire Chief

Hartford Deputy Fire Chief Raul Ortiz has been nominated to be New Britain’s next fire chief. Ortiz has been Deputy Chief in Hartford since December 2017. He has served as the Hartford Fire Department’s Public Information Officer and Executive Officer since 2014.

Republican Mayor Erin Stewart has announced that she has nominated Ortiz and will propose him to the City Council at its regular meeting on April 11, 2018. Department heads require the approval of the City Council. Stewart has set April 16th at Ortiz’s starting date.

“Raul comes to us with 19 years in fire service and emergency management,” said Stewart. “He has a wealth of experience and a passion to continue learning so that our firefighters are well protected and our community is kept safe. Raul brings a set of specific skills that will lend himself well to the New Britain Fire Department. We offer him a warm welcome and know he will serve our community — and his community — with pride and professionalism.”

Stewart’s office announced that Ortiz would be New Britain’s first Latino Fire Chief.

Ortiz attended Central Connecticut State University, receiving a degree in an American history in 1999. He is currently attending University of New Haven, pursuing a master’s degree in emergency management. He started as a firefighter in the City of Hartford in 1999 and served as lieutenant from 2010 to 2016.

Ortiz, his wife, Miriam, and children are New Britain residents.

An event has been organized for the public to meet Ortiz on April 16, 2016 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at the lecture hall at New Britain High School.