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10/17/2017 12:00 AMRepublican Joe Higgins is seeking his third consecutive term with Branford’s Board of Selectmen (BOS). The incumbent second selectman (2013-’15 and 2015-’17) is the endorsed running mate of incumbent Republican first selectman candidate Jamie Cosgrove. Election of the three-member 2017-’19 Branford BOS will be part of the Tuesday, Nov. 7 municipal elections.
A New York native, Higgins and his wife, Angela, moved to Branford in 2006 following his retirement from New York Fire Department (NYFD). The couple has one daughter and two grandchildren.
Higgins brings nearly 41 years of professional experience with NYFD including an extensive background in executive management, public safety, and government liaison work. In his career, he rose through the ranks to become NYFD deputy director of Dispatch Operations, overseeing five boroughs. Higgins was also appointed twice as special assistant to the New York City fire commissioner. Higgins led NYFD dispatch operations on Sept. 11, 2001 and was a member of the NYFD Anti-Terrorist Committee as well as the NYFD Commissioner’s Committee.
Since arriving in Branford, Higgins has also become well-known to the local fire department communities and has been sought as a speaker for 9/11 events in Connecticut and New York. He is member of Branford’s 9/11 Memorial Committee, which conducts an annual ceremony at Branford Fire Headquarters.
In The Sound’s online Election Guide 2017, Higgins said his top three priorities for the coming term will be “to continue to be approachable and listen to the citizens of Branford, continue to support economic development [and] continue to be judicious regarding finance and taxation.”
In response to the question, “What else do voters need to know about you?” Higgins noted, “I believe I set an example for the younger generation of Branford to serve others no matter in what capacity. I know little steps lead to great accomplishment. I am proud to be a Branford citizen.”
Learn more about this candidate at The Sound’s Election Guide www.zip06.com/election, find Jamie Cosgrove for Branford on Facebook, or find Friends of Branford Republicans on Facebook.