Robert McCall has been named the new fire chief of the Middletown Fire Department, bringing nearly 20 years of experience and a deep commitment to public service to the role.
Acknowledging that being part of the fire service isn’t for everyone, McCall said he’s always valued knowing his work makes a difference.
“Being a firefighter today means being ready for anything,” McCall said. “People rely on us not just for fire suppression, but also for emergency medical care, technical rescues, hazardous materials response, and more. In many ways, we’re the first line of help in someone’s worst moment. That responsibility is huge, and it matters because people still need someone to show up — quickly, competently, and compassionately. It’s about being that steady presence in a crisis.”
McCall encouraged those seeking a challenging and meaningful career to consider firefighting.
“I’d tell people ‘To go for it,’” he said. “If you’re willing to put in the hard work, it’s one of the most rewarding careers out there. It’s not easy. You’ll miss holidays, you’ll have long nights, and you’ll face tough situations. But you’ll also be part of something bigger than yourself. You’ll make a difference in people’s lives, sometimes in ways you don’t even realize until much later. If you’re passionate about helping others, this is the job for you.”
Now leading the department he’s served for close to two decades, McCall said he still finds meaning in the everyday moments.
“My proudest moments are the small, quiet ones — when someone we’ve helped comes back to thank us,” he said. “It’s in those moments that all the effort, all the training, and all the sacrifices feel worth it. It reminds me why we do what we do.”
“Middletown is a beautiful coastal town, and being able to serve here is a privilege,” McCall added. “I love the department itself and the way we operate. We rotate between working on the engine, ladder truck, and rescue, so every tour brings something new. That kind of structure pushes you to be well-rounded and train hard to be excellent in all areas of the job.”
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