Chief Hart humbled and honored to lead 62nd Mum Festival Parade this Sunday

This year's Mum Festival Parade grand marshal Bristol Fire Chief Richard Hart nuzzles Okee, a peer support K9 with a mission to support and comfort firefighters and members of the community. | L. Bailey

Posted By: David Fortier September 26, 2024

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.

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