By John Schwing

WESTPORT — Nicholas Marsan, a Westport firefighter since 2007 and deputy fire chief since 2022, was sworn in Monday as the Fire Department’s new chief.

Marsan, joined by members of the Fire Department’s command staff, family and friends, was administered the oath of office by First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker during a ceremony in Town Hall. He succeeds interim Chief Mark Amatrudo.

Tooker, who announced Marsan’s promotion from deputy chief in May, said he “has built a strong foundation for the last 17 years as a leader among the firefighters.”

“As the town continues to grow,” the first selectwoman added, “I am confident that you and your department will meet the changing demands of the community over the coming years.”

Marsan “cares deeply about his firefighters, instilling a genuine sense of camaraderie in the department,” Tooker told the gathering. “He understands how important it is to listen and to empower others … and he accurately describes the Fire Department as being in the customer service business.”

And, she added, there are not likely any other towns where the fire chief’s “favorite place is the library” — as it is Marsan’s.

Matthew Cohen, promoted to deputy chief in May, said Marsan “never forgets about the people and the aspect of leadership that leaders serve their people.”

The new chief, Cohen said , has a record of establishing “a clear vision, he sets the bar and he holds people to the standards that he sets for himself.”

Marsan, in remarks that he said his son William helped to write, said he was “honored” to be chosen to lead the men and women of the Fire Department, adding, “I take great pride in serving such an amazing community and even more pride in doing so alongside these firefighters.”

The new chief — who is also the town’s emergency management director — cited the credo, “Mission first, people always,” as a guiding principle for the Fire Department. It is “a phrase that emphasizes our purpose, our mission to respond to emergencies and put others above ourselves … We are a person-driven organization.”

Marsan also is a state-certified fire marshal and emergency medical technician.

His first firefighting assignment was to the department’s Platoon 3 after he graduated with the Connecticut Fire Academy’s Class No. 41. He was promoted to fire inspector after nine years and then to engine company lieutenant, stationed primarily at Station 4 in Saugatuck.

Marsan also is a nationally certified fire service instructor III and fire officer III. In addition, he has been a fire inspector for Norwalk and Darien, and is a state fire instructor for the New York Office of Fire Prevention and Control. He was elected president of the Westport Uniformed Firefighters Association, Local 1081, for 10 years.

He recently completed the National Fire Service Staff and Command Course in Annapolis, Md. A graduate of Fairfield College Preparatory School, he subsequently earned master’s degrees in history from Western Connecticut State University and in public administration and emergency management from Sacred Heart University.