New London — As a kid, Thomas Curcio pretended to respond to fire calls while playing with his Matchbox toy cars. He later watched in fascination as specially trained firefighters responded to medical calls on the television show "Emergency!"

But it wasn’t until he had a real taste of firefighting as a volunteer that Curcio said he decided on his career path as a firefighter.

Curcio, who joined the New London Fire Department in 1984, reached the pinnacle of his career on Wednesday, when he was sworn in as chief. He replaced retired Chief Henry Kydd in a ceremony held at the New London High School auditorium attended by family, friends, active and retired New London firefighters and emergency service leaders from across the region.

Mayor Michael Passero called Curcio a civic-minded resident who had dedicated himself to preparing for leadership at the fire department and someone truly committed to the city.

Curcio, 56, is a former part-time emergency dispatcher, a substitute teacher in the New London school system and only recently resigned from his position as a cardiology technician at Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, where he had worked for 27 years.

His family also works in the city. His wife, Susan, is a registered nurse at Coastal Digestive Care. His son, Justin, who pinned on his chief’s badge during Wednesday’s ceremony, is a New London firefighter, and his daughter, Alyssa, is an occupational therapist at L+M.

Chief Administrative Officer Steve Fields said Curcio is the type of leader to “lead from the front.” For example, Curcio was out directing traffic Wednesday on Bank Street during heavy rains that flooded city streets.

In addition to being a longtime battalion chief, Curcio serves as the city’s emergency management director.

He has been recognized formally for outstanding service on several occasions throughout his career: for the rescue of two elderly residents trapped in a second-floor bedroom fire, delivery of a baby and the rescue of a Thames Valley Steel worker pinned by a load of steel on a gondola car.

Curcio reminisced about the days as a volunteer with the Niagara and Pequot engine companies.

“I learned the ropes from the senior guys that were on the job. They taught me how to be a tough interior firefighter. I learned the meaning of brotherhood and to treat the community and each other with respect,” he said.

Prior to his career in New London, Curcio earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from the University of Connecticut. He later attained an associate degree in fire technology and administration from Three Rivers Community College.

Curcio, who is a lifelong New London resident, said his promotion to an officer at the department was a chance to become a positive role model to new recruits. He said he hoped to continue in that role as chief.

Noting that instances of post-traumatic stress disorder are on the rise for emergency responders, Curcio said he would like to institute a decompression period for firefighters exposed to serious traumas. Firefighters would be provided an opportunity to discuss their thoughts and seek help, if needed.

“This is not a sign of weakness. This is to show we are human and care about the mental health of our firefighters. Training and the safety of our crews is of the utmost importance,” Curcio said.

g.smith@theday.com