On the job: Deputy Fire Chief Thaddeus Soltys
What is your position with the city and how long have you been on the job?
I am the deputy fire chief. I’ve been in Westbrook for just about one month.
What is your background? Where did you go to school?
I am in my 29th year of fire service. I started out at age 14 as a junior firefighter at the Thompsonville Fire Department in Enfield, Conn. At age 18, I became a volunteer member of the fire department. When I was 20, I was prompted to lieutenant and became a full-time firefighter one month later. At age 37, I was named chief of the Shaker Pines Fire Department in Enfield. I have an associate’s degree in fire protection from Springfield Technical Community College in Springfield, Mass. I also have a bachelor’s degree in fire science from Anna Maria College in Worcester, Mass.
What kind of duties does your job entail?
As deputy chief, I supervise the firefighters and I’m also in charge of training.
What is the most likely way that your job causes you to interact with the general public?
I would say my job has many aspects that bring me in contact with the general public. I am at the scene of fire calls, and I also meet with the public during fire prevention activities as well as at any other special event the department may have.
What do you like most about your job?
I like the interaction with both the city staff as well as members of the fire department. Everyone has been accepting, welcoming, warm and gracious.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I like to spend time with my family, and I also like to play golf.
Deputy Fire Chief Thaddeus Soltys
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