Cheshire official hired as new Fairfield DPW director

Joseph Michelangelo, the public works director and town engineer in Cheshire, will take over the reins of Fairfield's Department of Public Works on Sept. 6, according to a Wednesday announcement from First Selectman Michael Tetreau.

Richard White, the current DPW director, is retiring at the end of this month after 27 years with the department.

"Having participated in the interview process, I am very pleased that Joe Michelangelo was chosen to be my successor," White said. "He is a very talented engineer and public works director who serves a well-run town such as ours."

Michelangelo is "inheriting a department with very hard working, conscientious, and creative employees," White added.

Michelangelo began working in Cheshire as the operations manager and was named the public works director in 2003. Prior to working in Cheshire, Michelangelo served as town engineer and director of public works in Oxford. He also spent two years in Monroe as deputy public works director and nine years in Shelton as assistant city engineer.

"While leaving the town of Cheshire is difficult, the opportunity to lead the Fairfield Public Works Department is one that I could not pass up," Michelangelo said in the statement. "The breadth of activities and amount of projects that the department is involved in is truly remarkable, as is the quality of work."

A Branford resident, Michelangelo said he is "committed to continuing the legacy of public service to the community and the high standards" set by White and his longtime predecessor, Frank Daniels.

Tetreau said Michelangelo's experience and knowledge "will be vital in serving our resident's needs and running of the town's largest departments."

Michelangelo's salary as the new public works director was not immediately available, but White's current salary is $151,236.

The first selectman said White has been one of the town's most productive, professional and hands-on employees. "I know I speak on behalf of many employees and residents when I say he will be sorely missed," Tetreau said.

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