WESTPORT — Fire Inspector Terrence Dunn has been promoted to become the town’s new fire marshal, succeeding Nathaniel Gibbons.

Dunn was sworn in by First Selectwoman Jennifer Tooker at a Town Hall ceremony Tuesday afternoon.

Gibbons, the fire marshal since 2017 capping a 27-year career with the Westport Fire Department, officially retired Tuesday.

Dunn, hired as a Westport firefighter in October 2003, was promoted to the rank of fire inspector in 2009. A graduate of the University of New Haven, he holds a bachelor of science degree in arson investigation with a minor in criminal justice. 

Dunn is certified by the state as a fire marshal, and also is licensed as an assistant building official. He serves as the first vice president of the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, a member of the Fairfield/New Haven County Fire Marshals Association, the International Association of Arson Investigators and District 8 Building Officials Association. 

“Coming from a family with a history in public safety, I’m really looking forward to continuing to serve the residents of the town of Westport in my new role as fire marshal,” Dunn said in a statement announcing his promotion.

“Fire prevention often goes unnoticed until something bad happens. This is what has shaped the current fire codes we have in place,” Dunn said. “The importance of preventing fires, ensuring safe buildings throughout our town and public fire education will always be at the forefront of my mind.”

Tooker congratulated Dunn on his promotion, saying, “He is a genuine and humble leader who has the skills and experience necessary to ensure that the Fire Department continues to provide exceptional service to the community.”

Fire Chief Michael Kronick, adding his congratulations, said, “I am very proud of Terry and the contributions that he has made to our department and look forward in partnering to lead the department.”