Westport’s New Fire Chief: A Familiar Face

Westport searched widely for a new fire chief.

But after nearly a year, the right candidate was right here in town.

Deputy Chief Nick Marsan will take over as Westport Fire Department’s chief on July 1, 1st Selectwoman Jen Tooker announced this afternoon.

He takes over from Mark Amatrudo, who has been interim fire chief since July 1, 2023.

Marsan has been a member of the Westport Fire Department since 2007. In addition to his current role as deputy chief, he also serves as the town’s emergency management director.

He has extensive experience in emergency operations, fire safety and public administration. He began his career as a professional firefighter assigned to Platoon 3, after graduating from the Connecticut Fire Academy Class #41.

Fire Chief Nick Marsan

Marsan served as a firefighter for 9 years before promotions, first to fire inspector. then to engine company lieutenant, stationed primarily in Saugatuck.

A state-certified fire marshal and emergency medical technician, Marsan also holds national fire service certifications.

He is the recipient of 2 Westport Rotary Public Protection & Safety Awards, and several department awards including 3 unit citations, the John H. Gallagher Award for outstanding service, and the Turker Aksoy Award for outstanding patient care.

Marsan has also served Norwalk and Darien as a fire inspector, and is a fire instructor for the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control.

For 10 years, he was the elected president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 1081.

Marsan is a veteran of the US Army and the CT Army National Guard. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2010, and earned an Army Commendation Medal for Valor for his actions there.

Marson holds 2 master’s degrees. One is in history from Western Connecticut State University. The other is in public administration and emergency management from Sacred Heart University.

He recently completed the National Fire Service Staff and Command Course in Annapolis, Maryland.

“I am excited to lead the men and women of the Westport Fire Department,” Marsan says.

“I am honored by the trust placed in me and I look forward to continuing our department’s dedication to outstanding service to the residents and guests of the Town of Westport.”

Tooker adds, “Nick has the proven ability and expertise to seamlessly and effectively take over the role as chief.

“He has a breadth of knowledge, skill, experience, and understanding that will ensure that the current high standards of safety and efficiency will be maintained in the Westport Fire Department. I have every confidence that he will flourish and excel in this leadership role.”