Hartford Hires Cooney as Fire Chief

Hartford — Just five days after assuming his role as town manager, Leo Pullar has hired longtime Hartford firefighter Scott Cooney as the new Hartford fire chief.

“Scott’s the kind of professional and people-focused leader I want,” said Pullar, who said he decided against opening the position to a national search. “There’s been enough turmoil and turbulence. Sometimes, you’ve got your best choice looking you right in the eye.”

Cooney has served as interim fire chief since September, when former Fire Chief Steve Locke assumed the role of interim town manager. Locke left Hartford in January to accept a position as the Burlington Fire Chief.

Cooney first joined the fire department in 1995, and moved to the town in 2000.

“It’s great that we were able to grow with him,” said Pullar.

Pullar said he reviewed the personnel files of various other Hartford employees before making the decision; He said Cooney was also recommended for the post by Locke and former Interim Town Manager Pat MacQueen.

The hire is another step forward in a leadership transition that saw several key employee positions open over the last year. 

Cooney’s interim fire chief salary of $98,180 will remain unchanged, and the funds for the position are already earmarked under the 2016-2017 municipal budget.

Matt Hongoltz-Hetling can be reached at mhonghet@vnews.com or 603-727-3211.