Chiefs
Since 1931, the WVFD has been led by only 4 chiefs. Each chief has risen through the ranks and demonstrated the necessary technical and management skills to lead the women and men of the department.
Chief John Pokorny
John Pokorny serves as the fourth chief of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department, leading the department for nearly the last 30 years. Chief Pokorny is a second generation member of the department following after his father Charles Pokorny who was a fifty year member. Chief Pokorny joined the department at the age of 16 and has been actively involved ever since. In 1977, he was promoted to lieutenant and later assumed his father's position of captain when his father retired. In 1996, John Pokorny became the department's fourth chief.
Chief Pokorny has continued to build upon the lasting legacy of Weston’s previous chiefs and has continued to enhance the skills, capabilities, equipment and most importantly health and wellbeing of Weston’s firefighters. Chief Pokorny led the department through the COVID-19 Pandemic ensuring that members of the department remained safe while ensuring they were ready to and able to respond to the communities needs. Most recently Chief Pokorny was involved in making Weston one of the first departments in the state to obtain polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) free turnout gear for every one of the department’s members limiting exposure to harmful materials which have been linked to cancer and other serious health effects. In addition to his role as Chief of the department Chief Pokorny also serves as the Fire Marshal for the Town of Weston.
1996 - Present
Chief Fred Moore
Fred Moore served as the third chief of the Weston Volunteer Fire Department, leading the department for over 25 years from 1970-1996. Chief Moore grew interested in the fire department due to his upbringing in close proximity to Station 1 where he’d run out and wait to see the fire engines go by. Chief Moore joined the department at the age of 16 and studied at the University of Connecticut where he received a degree in ornamental horticulture.
Chief Moore led countless initiatives to improve and modernize the Weston Volunteer Fire Department. Under his leadership the department converted to using a large diameter supply hose enabling large quantities of water to be delivered to the scene which became the industry standard in the fire service years after Fred introduced it in Weston. He also purchased our first dedicated water supply engine, self-contained breathing apparatus and Hurst extrication tools. Chief Moore also served as Weston’s fire marshal and was a strong proponent of residential sprinkler systems which he was particularly passionate about and wrote for the National Fire Academy on this subject. From his work in shaping and protecting Devil’s Den Preserve, to his role in modernizing the fire department, to his early law enforcement duty as a constable, there was arguably no Westonite who did more to physically protect the town of Weston and its people in recent decades than Fred Moore.
1970-1996
1945-1970Chief John O’Brien
Chief John (Jack) O’Brien served as the second Chief of the Weston Fire Department and was another key figure in the department’s early days. Chief O’Brien continued to innovate and was instrumental in the development of the firehouse at town hall. The fire house was originally where the police department currently operates. In addition during his tenure the Weston Volunteer Emergency Ambulance Squad was established. This was led by a small group of firefighters who agreed that Weston needed its own ambulance service and the first ambulance was purchased shortly after, a converted International Harvester Carry All. Over time the Weston Volunteer Emergency Ambulance Squad which was a part of the Fire Department continued to evolve and purchased a purpose built Cadillac ambulance in 1967. Chief O’Brien also understood the need and importance of the role of a fire marshal and got the Weston Fire Department involved with the state fire marshall association.
1931-1945Chief Roland Gifford
Chief Rolland Gifford served as the first chief of the Weston Fire Department and was a driving force in the creation of the Weston Fire Department. Chief Gifford was elected the first Chief of the department in 1931 and built the department from the ground up. He coordinated the purchase of Weston's first fire engine, a 1934 Mack fire engine, known as the “Old Mack" which is still fully functioning. The Old Mack which was approximately $7,000 and bought through a loan. The Old Mack was the only fire engine in the town of Weston until the mid 1950s. The Old Mack was paid for through the Firemen’s Frolic of Weston which was a two day festival on July 9th and 10th of 1937.