By David Fortier
When the call arrived, Bristol Fire Chief Richard Hart did not see it coming. Being honored as the grand marshal of the 62nd Mum Festival Parade, just wasn’t on his radar.
“Well, I was embarrassed at first and very humbled,” Hart said in a phone conversation earlier today.
And after sitting with this a while?
“Humbled and embarrassed,” he said. “That’s the thing, I am coming up on three years (as fire chief) and to be bestowed this honor, that’s the humbling part. That they would think that much of me to make me grand marshal of the parade is pretty amazing.”
Hart will lead the parade on Sunday, Sept. 29, but will also be on hand at the opening ceremonies on Friday evening, Sept. 27, to honor this year’s Hometown Heroes, members of the Community Emergency Response Team, and on Saturday, when he will be a judge of the Mum Festival Car Show among other activities. Early on Sunday morning, he will be at the Hometown Heroes Breakfast at the Elks Club.
In the release announcing Hart as this year’s Mum Festival grand marshal, Mum Festival chair Jack Ferraro said, “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.”
Hart has spent over four decades in fire service. He began in 1980 with the Litchfield Volunteer Fire Department, and over the years has filled roled as paramedic, lieutenant, captain, battalion chief,and deputy chief.
In 2021, after 32 years of service, he became the 10th Fire Chief of the Bristol Fire Department, where he has since implemented numerous initiatives to enhance public safety and community engagement.
Aside from his duties in fire service, Hart has also been an advocate for change, according to the release.
He has 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.
“It’s truly an honor to have this bestowed on me as the grand marshal of the parade, the signature event of the year,” Hart said.
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 on Sunday at 1:30 p.m. and is part of a weekend filled with family-friendly activities and entertainment.
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.
