Fire Chief Hart named 2024 Mum Festival Gran Marshal

Fire Chief Rick Hart, right, and senior member of the Board of Fire Commissioners at a Firehouse 3 Building Committee meeting earlier this year. | David Fortier

Posted By: David Fortier August 25, 2024

Chief Richard Hart of the Bristol Fire Department has been named the 2024 Mum Festival Grand Marshal, it was announced by the Mum Festival Committee.

“We are honored to have Chief Hart as this year’s Grand Marshal,” said Jack Ferraro, Mum Festival chair in the release announcing the choice of marshal. This year’s theme is “A Mumtastic Time for All.”

“His leadership and service to our community make him a fitting choice to lead our parade. Chief Hart’s dedication to public safety and his many contributions to Bristol reflect the very best of our city, and we are proud to have him join us this year.”

As Grand Marshall, Hart, with a career spanning over four decades in fire service, will lead the 62nd Annual Mum Festival Parade on Sunday, Sept. 29, and participate throughout the festival.

Hart will participate in several key events during the Mum Festival weekend, including:

  • Friday, Sept. 27: Opening Ceremonies and Hometown Hero Presentation (5 p.m. – 5:30 p.m., Main Stage)
  • Saturday, Sept. 28: Mum Festival Car Show (1 p.m., BAIMS Parking Lot) and various festival activities throughout the day
  • Sunday, Sept. 29: Hometown Hero Breakfast (8 a.m. – 12 p.m., Bristol Elks Club) and leading the Mum Festival Parade (1:30 p.m.)

Hart is not only known for his professional achievements but also for his advocacy work. He played a pivotal role in passing legislation that provides wage replacement benefits for firefighters diagnosed with occupational cancer and comprehensive PTSD coverage under workers’ compensation for firefighters and police officers. His vision and leadership continue to shape the future of fire service in Bristol and beyond.

“It is a true honor to be named Grand Marshal of this year’s Mum Festival,” said Chief Hart. “Bristol is a community I am proud to serve, and I am excited to be part of this wonderful tradition. I look forward to celebrating with everyone at the parade and throughout the festival weekend.”

d Hart is the 10th Fire Chief of the Bristol Fire Department, having been hired in 2021, after 32 years starting with the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department and including having helf positions as a paramedic, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief and deputy chief. In Bristol, he has implemented numerous initiatives to enhance public safety and community engagement.

The Mum Festival Parade is a hallmark traditional event that is part of a three-day celebration. It embodies the spirit of community, tradition, and togetherness. The parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. and is part of a weekend filled with family-friendly activities, entertainment, and the vibrant energy of the Bristol community.

For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, please visit: www.bristolmumfestival.com.

The Mum Festival & Parade is Produced by the Exchange Club of Bristol CT INC., a Non-Profit 501-(c)3 The Mum Festival & Parade is a City of Bristol sponsored event.

All TBE readers, supporters and donors                

The Bristol Edition will be limiting the number of stories non-members and free readers may access each week. This decision is based on our financial projections and, most certainly, to remind people that TBE is serious about providing accurate, timely and thorough reporting for Bristol. To do this we have devised a financial support structure that makes unlimited access extremely affordable, beginning with a $6 monthly donation.                

  • Non-members will be able to access four (4) articles per week.                
  • Free readers and people who have subscribed by email will be able to access four (4) articles per week.                
  • Donors and financial supporters will have unlimited access as long as they log in.                

Note: Donors may have to contact TBE if they find they are being limited, since we will need to set up a membership account for you. Email editor@bristoledition.org for instructions. Sorry for any inconvenience. People with financial difficulties may write editor@bristoledition.org to be considered for free access.