Ledyard Fire Dept. Has New Chief

Steve Daggett grew up in Ledyard, played football at Ledyard High School, and for the past 23 years has been a volunteer firefighter with the Ledyard Fire Department.

Last week, Daggett, 39, became the department’s new fire chief, succeeding Michael “Turtle” McKernan. At a company meeting on May 5, department members also voted to appoint John Doucette as Assistant Chief and Tym Gray as Captain. Jeff Gaccione will continue to serve as Deputy Chief.

Daggett, a member of the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, was 16 when he first volunteered at the Ledyard Fire Department. “I always wanted to be a career fire fighter,” said Daggett, who was mentored by Fire Marshal and former chief Jim Mann.

“I love helping people. I always have,” he said. “And I love the excitement of the fire service, the change of pace that comes with every call. I love knowing that I’m doing something that could definitely save a life.”

He has two sisters, Lisa Garner, who is a fire fighter, and Sherrie Allen, who is training to be an EMT. Their late brother, Michael, was killed four years ago in a crash off Route 214. 

Daggett was the first responder to his brother's crash. 

"When I saw the truck, I knew it was Mike," he recalled. "That is always your worst nightmare in a close-knit community, where you know almost everyone."

He said helping to educate young people about the consequences of drinking and driving is one of the important roles a fire company can have.

Daggett, who has four children, said the camaraderie with his fellow firefighters in Ledyard and Mashantucket, and among companies throughout the region, is a big part of the fire service.

Two years ago, that camaraderie became strained over an incident that led to a rift within the department. The rift hurt company morale, and also recruiting efforts.

But Daggett said it is a new day at the Ledyard Firehouse.

“I definitely feel we are moving in the right direction,” he said, noting that nine recruits are currently enrolled in a Firefighter 1 class in which they are taught the standards for basic firefighting.

Daggett said there are now 20 to 25 active members in the company.  “We would always love have more,” he said. “If I could get 50 members, that would be great. Unfortunately, in these tough economic times, it’s hard to find people who want to do this job.”

The Ledyard Fire Department meets at 7 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at the firehouse on Fairway Drive. All who would like to learn more about becoming a volunteer firefighter are invited to attend.