WEATHERSFIELD — Jeff Tucker started with the Weathersfield Fire Department as a teenager and has moved up the ranks in different positions.

On Tuesday, he was named assistant chief after trustees promoted him from fire captain at $800 per month.

“I look forward to assisting Chief Tom Lambert with all the daily duties and responsibilities of the fire department. We oversee three fire stations,” said Tucker, who started with the department in October 2005.

Tucker started as a junior firefighter, then probationary firefighter, firefighter, lieutenant and captain.

“I wanted to stay in Weathersfield, which is my hometown,” he said.

Tucker is a graduate of Weathersfield schools and resides with his family in the township.

Trustee Chairman Steve Gerberry said the decision was not an easy one since the board also had two other qualified fire captains considered for the position.

Trustee Richard Harkins said Tucker has done a great job for the fire department in his many roles.

Township Administrator David Rouan said officials are proud of Tucker and his journey, noting he started at age 16 as a junior firefighter while in high school.

“We are very fortunate to have Jeff in our organization. He has helped the fire department in the past couple of years securing various grants for the department,” he said.

Trustees also approved Duane Austin as the new township highway superintendent. Austin has served with the highway department for more than 39 years and has been an active member of the township. Rouan said the position has been in existence for a number of years and remained unfilled.

Rouan said Austin will serve in a supervisory position of the department and its employees.

DONATION TO REMEMBER MAN

In other business, trustees received a $10,000 donation from Teresa Springsteen in memory of her husband, John Springsteen, who was a firefighter in New York before moving to Weathersfield.

The donation will be used by the fire department for training and equipment.

She said trustees were there for her husband when he became ill and she appreciated the support officials and the fire department showed them.

Last fall, trustees honored John Springsteen as an honorary Weathersfield firefighter before his death.

“It was an honor for us to recognize John,” Gerberry said.

Trustee Ed Whittaker said Springsteen left a legacy of courage, community service and devotion to firefighting.

He said the donation will benefit the current and future staff of the fire department.