Today, Fort Wayne Fire Department Chief Eric Lahey announced that Deputy Fire Chief Adam O’Connor requested a new assignment–to fill the position of Captain at Fire Station 1.
Deputy Fire Chief Adam O’Connor Chooses to Return to Engine House Due to His Love of Being a Firefighter
Chief Dafforn to be sworn-in April 8 at 10:00 a.m., Council ChambersFort Wayne, Indiana (April 5, 2024) – Fire Chief Eric Lahey announced today that Deputy Fire Chief Adam O’Connor requested a new assignment–to fill the position of Captain at Fire Station 1.
“Although many of my responsibilities as Deputy Chief were rewarding, I enjoyed being a firefighter much more,” said Deputy Fire Chief O’Connor. “I’d like to finish out my career with the FWFD doing something I really love.”
In his duties as Deputy Fire Chief, O’Connor was instrumental in keeping Department costs low while still providing a high level of service. His more recent contributions to the community include the construction of Fire Station 14, the implementation of new air packs and radios, the purchase of new fire apparatus, and the transition to the new vehicle maintenance building. Deputy Fire Chief O’Connor was also directly involved with the officer promotional processes and responsible for the day to day work of the Operations Division.
“I appreciate the nine years of service that Adam O’Connor dedicated to the City of Fort Wayne as its Deputy Fire Chief,” said Fire Chief Lahey. “With his return to the engine house, there is no doubt that Adam’s technical proficiency will be an asset to the Operations Division. However, his presence in the administration will be missed.”
Battalion Chief Dafforn has been selected to serve as the new F-20 Chief of Operations.
Dafforn began his career with the Fort Wayne Fire Department in July of 1995. Over the last 30 years, Dafforn rose through the ranks of the FWFD and was promoted to Battalion Chief in 2019. In his new position as the Assistant Chief of Operations, Dafforn will oversee the Fire Department Operations Division, supervising its 12 battalion chiefs which are spread out over three shifts. Dafforn will also supervise the District Chief of Logistics, and the Building Maintenance Supervisor.
Chief Dafforn is a former member of the FWFD Water Rescue Team and the Technical Rescue Team. He has also served as a member of the FWFD Honor Guard, the Joint Apprenticeship Training Program Committee, the FWFD Apparatus Committee and has served on the Firefighter’s Museum Board.
“Lance is going to be a great addition to the Command Staff. His experience, proficiency, and professionalism are what got him this far in his career and those same attributes are what will make him a great Operations Chief,” said Fire Chief Lahey.
Chief Dafforn’s swearing-in ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m., April 8, in the City Council Chambers, Room 035. Room 035 is located on the basement level of Citizens Square.
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