Hebron Fire Department gets new chief
Apr. 10—HEBRON — Columbia resident Peter Starkel has been hired as the new fire chief following the retirement of Nick Wallick, the chief for the past eight years.
Starkel, soon to be 51, spent a combined 17 years as the deputy chief and then the chief of the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department over a career of 34 years. He retired as the chief last summer.
The Board of Selectmen on April 1 approved Starkel's appointment by a vote of 4-1, with Selectman John Collins voting against.
At the time, Collins said he wanted more information about Starkel as a candidate, and specifically mentioned that Starkel was arrested last July and has a pending case in criminal court, a fact he said the board should have been told about.
NEW HEBRON FIRE DEPARTMENT CHIEF
Peter Starkel, 50, of Columbia
Joined the fire service at age 16
Served 34 years in the Columbia Volunteer Fire Department, 6 as deputy chief, 11 as chief, and remains a lifetime member.
Instructor at the Eastern Connecticut Fire School
State director for the New England Association of Fire Chiefs
According to the state Judicial Department's website, Starkel was charged on July 31 with third-degree assault, second-degree unlawful restraint, and disorderly conduct.
Starkel addressed the arrest during the meeting, saying it stemmed from an incident at his home involving his family that they have since addressed and are moving past.
He said Wednesday his family is doing well, and is excited for him to start the new position.
According to court records, Starkel has been admitted into the Family Violence Education program, which can result in the dismissal of the charges against him as long as he abides by the requirements of the program. He was admitted to the program in December for a year.
Town Manager Andrew Tierney said this week that Starkel was one of 10 applicants for the job, and one of three applicants that went through an interview with the selection committee so they could learn more about him, Tierney said.
He said the interview involved asking various questions of Starkel, and a thorough discussion about his arrest took place.
State police also conducted a background check on Starkel, Tierney said.
After receiving all of that information, the committee determined that his arrest would not prevent Starkel from being a good chief for the department, Tierney said.
"The best guy got the job," Tierney said.
Besides his past experience, Starkel's availability and proximity to town also will be a benefit, since he will be able to respond to events quickly and at various times of the day, Tierney said.
Firefighting runs in his blood, Starkel said this week. His father was a firefighter in Coventry, and his grandfather was a one-time chief of the department, he said.
Starkel joined the department in Columbia at age 16, and ultimately held the position of deputy chief for six years, followed by 11 years as chief.
It didn't take long after retiring from Columbia that Starkel said he found himself wanting to get back into the field.
He said he genuinely likes working with and serving the public, and helping people on what is sometimes the worst day of their lives.
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