The fire chief supervised fire prevention programs for more than 20 years.
Westfield Fire Chief William E. Phelon is shown on his last day at the main fire station in Westfield on Friday.WESTFIELD – The last day on the job Friday for Fire Chief William E. Phelon was more social than business.
The chief spent most of the day socializing and reminiscing with firefighters and city officials. He also took time to inspect Engine 5, the fire truck he drove as a private ‘many, many years ago.’
“A lot of knowledge, a lot of experience is going out the door today,” senior Deputy Fire Chief Patrick J. Kane said of Phelon.
Also, Mayor Daniel M. Knapik praised Phelon for a “very distinguished career of 32 years with the Westfield Fire Department.” The mayor also noted that Phelon, during his career, took only two or less sick days a year. “That is remarkable,” said Knapik.
Deputy Fire Chief Mary R. Regan succeeds Phelon as chief effective Saturday.
“I will miss the people,” said Phelon. “This is a great place to work. There are great people to work with here,” he said.
But, retirement will give Phelon a chance to catch up on “a lot of projects at home,” the chief said. Retirement will also allow him and wife Susan to “extend our camping season.”
Phelon, a long-time member of the Westfield Fair Association, will continue his tenure as treasurer of the agricultural group. “We have been involved with the fair forever,” he said.
His passion in the Fire Department was fire prevention, a project he led for more than 20 years.
“I always enjoyed going into our schools promoting fire safety and prevention,” said Phelon. The chief is also considered a leader in smoke detector and other alarm equipment laws.
“Smoke detectors have been a valuable resource. They save lives, keep fires smaller and we get there a lot faster because of alarms,” the chief said.
Phelon joined the Fire Department in 1979 and was promoted to chief of the 84-member department in July 2008.
Phelon said Friday he accomplished his priority as chief to upgrade and increase emergency equipment and manpower within the department.
“We now have a paramedic on every ambulance call,” he noted.
During his career, Phelon also saw an increase in the number of emergency vehicles in the department grow from one ambulance, with a spare, 32 years ago to the current four active ambulances and one spare.
“He will be missed but we know he will stay busy,” Kane said of Phelon’s retirement.