New Deputy Commissioner of Homeland Security Appointed for Connecticut

Feb. 3, 2005
Gov. Rell appoints former state fire administrator into security, emergency position

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Connecticut Gov. M. Jodi Rell named East Haven Fire Chief Wayne E. Sandford on Wednesday as deputy commissioner of the new Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security.

Sandford, 54, has been East Haven's fire chief since 1992.

He served as the state fire administrator from 1982 to 1992. Since 1983, Sandford has taught fire science at the University of New Haven.

DEMHS was established on Jan. 1, under legislation passed last year. Among other duties, the agency will work with private groups and state and local governments to make sure they have the proper equipment and are planning and training to meet homeland security needs.

Sandford will earn $105,000 as deputy commissioner. Last month, Rell named James M. "Skip" Thomas as commissioner.