Sitar out as Tilton-Northfield fire chief, Valovanie named interim

TILTON — Tilton-Northfield Fire Chief Michael W. Sitar Jr. was fired Wednesday night by the district fire commission. Deputy Fire Chief Sean Valovanie was appointed interim chief the same night.

According to a media release from Tilton-Northfield Fire Commissioners Timothy Sattler, Paul Auger and Jason Wright, Sitar was terminated during a non-public meeting of the commission Wednesday, using a separation agreement in his contract. Valovanie was appointed interim chief position at 7:30 p.m., effective immediately.

“I had planned on retiring in the spring, but I guess spring came early,” Sitar said on Friday. “They didn’t give me a reason other than that it was just time for a change.”

A message left with Sattler, fire commission chair, was not returned by press time.

Sitar said there was a clause in his contract allowing for the commissioners to terminate the contract with no definitive cause. He said that there had been discussions about his retirement, and whether he would leave early or wait several months.

“Because of our prior conversations, I had an inkling that this might have happened, but I thought maybe that meeting was to continue the discussion,” Sitar said. “But it wasn’t.”

Sitar praised those working for the department, and said it has been one of his greatest honors to serve with them.

“I loved every minute,” Sitar said. “I have nothing but good things to say about the guys and the women who worked there. They are the best, and I’d put them up against any other fire department.”

Sitar was appointed fire chief in 2014, following 32 years with the Tewksbury Fire Department in Massachusetts. In a prepared statement, the Tilton-Northfield Fire Commission thanked Sitar for his “years of dedicated service.”

“During his tenure, Chief Sitar made significant improvements to enhance the safety of the district and its residents,” according to the release.

Town Administrator Scott Hilliard declined to comment on the details of Sitar's termination, but had high praise for Valovanie, recommending he be made full-time chief.

“I think Sean is a great choice, and speaking for myself, I hope the commissioners strongly support making him the permanent chief,” Hilliard said. “He is very much capable, good with people, and has all the skills that a good public servant possesses."

The move leaves the deputy chief position open, but otherwise, the department is fully staffed, with Michael Robinson next in line in his usual deputy call chief position. Valovanie intends to discuss filling the open position at the Monday, Nov. 10, meeting of the Fire Commission, which is open to the public.

“That is the regularly scheduled monthly meeting, and we will have more discussions there about the deputy and interim positions,” Valovanie said.

The commission stated in the release their commitment to keeping fire and emergency services fully staffed and fully operational. Valovanie also emphasized services will not be interrupted during this transition.

“Our ambulance engine and emergency response will not be affected by the decision,” Valovanie said.

Hilliard said his office, and the selectboard, received the same press release sent to media and posted online.

“I had heard he was getting ready to retire, and there was discussion about it, but I didn’t think that was until later,” Hilliard said.

Northfield Town Administrator Stephanie Giovannucci said she also knew Sitar had been considering retirement.

“While I’m not on the Fire Commissioners Board and can’t speak to the specifics of this transition, the news did not come as a surprise,” Giovannucci said. “I sincerely wish him the very best in his next chapter, and am grateful for the opportunity to have worked with him over the past several years.”

Hilliard was not at Wednesday’s meeting, and received a call from Valovanie, as the fire chief has representation on several committees, and Valovanie wanted to keep him apprised. He said Valovanie will likely take over on those committees, but final appointments will need to be made by the selectboards of Tilton and Northfield.

Hilliard said he works “hand in hand” with Valovanie daily, as the town’s health officer. Hilliard lives in Northfield, and said he wholeheartedly supports Valovanie, as a resident and in a professional capacity.

Giovannucci said she has gotten to know Valovanie over the past several years, and is confident he will be a “strong and effective” chief.

“He consistently prioritizes what is best for both communities, brings an open-minded leadership approach, and his strong communication skills will continue to be a tremendous asset to the department,” Giovannucci said.

Sitar, himself, vouched for Valovanie, saying he is not only a great friend and golf buddy, but one who will be a good leader if given the chance to become chief.

Hilliard personally encouraged Sattler, Auger and Wright to consider Valovanie for permanent chief, and said he will also stand up and say this publicly on Monday.

The Tilton-Northfield Fire Commission will meet at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 10, at Tilton Town Hall.