Mayor's Pick for New Haven Fire Chief Responded to Train Crash in New Jersey

John Alston, a deputy fire chief in New Jersey, hopes to become the next fire chief for the city of New Haven and was getting ready to head to Connecticut on Thursday to meet with a committee about his appointment when tragedy happened not far from his New Jersey town and he had to jump into action.

Alston, the deputy fire chief for special operations in Jersey City, New Jersey, said he was getting ready to leave for New Haven when the horrific train crash happened at the nearby Hoboken Terminal.

“I jumped back in the car, got on the radio, and started ordering assets,” Alston said.

Alston arrived at the scene and helped take command as the initial operations chief.

First responders faced many challenges, he said.

“That type of rescue, the massive size alone, dealing with heavy equipment, structural damage, electrical hazards, water hazards, and multiple people seeking help, the initial challenges for the first 10 to 15 minutes were great,” Alston said.

Alston has served that New Jersey community for 30 years and rose through the ranks, responding to several tragedies, including 9/11.

His experience caught the eye of New Haven Mayor Toni Harp, who picked him to lead the fire department after a nine-month search.

“His noticeable service and extensive knowledge cover the broad range of what New Haven absolutely needs in a fire chief,” Harp said.

Alston got the OK from a committee he met with on Thursday, but still needs approval from the Board of Alders.

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