Danbury Names James Russell Its New Fire Marshal

Jim Russell, a 1973 Danbury High School graduate and deputy fire marshal since 2001, was named Fire Marshal Tuesday to replace Jimmy Johnson, who retired in 2013.

"I was a 45-year-old rookie," said Russell, speaking about joining the fire department in 2001. Russell had worked for 23 years with Connecticut Light & Power and with Yankee Gas.

"Jim brings organizational capability and excellent customer service relations," said Fire Chief Geoffrey Herald. "He works with the customer and he puts public safety first."

Russell was a volunteer in Danbury with Independent Hose Co. #4, and was promoted to fire inspector in 2008. He became a deputy fire marshal in 2009. Russell was named Firefighter of the Year by the Exchange Club of Danbury.

Russell replaces Jimmy Johnson, who worked for 39 plus years for Danbury, and served as a member of Danbury's City Council as well as a fire fighter and fire marshal.