Norwalk grad promoted to city fire lt.

NORWALK — Ryan Houghtlen was promoted to lieutenant Friday during a ceremony at the Norwalk fire station, marking the next step in a fire service career that began more than 20 years ago. Mayor Dave Light administered the oath of office as Houghtlen's family, fellow firefighters and city officials looked on. His mother, Deb Houghtlen, then pinned the lieutenant's badge to his uniform. Norwalk fire Chief Dan Strayer said Houghtlen joined the city department in 2016 and has completed 10 years with the organization. "This is another great day for the city and for the fire department," Strayer said. Houghtlen said he began taking fire service classes in 2004 and started working part-time for the Perkins fire in 2005. He became a full-time firefighter in 2010 before joining Norwalk six years later. Houghtlen is a certified paramedic and an instructor in firefighting, CPR and advanced cardiac life support, Strayer said. "We're very lucky to have him," Strayer said. A 2002 Norwalk High School graduate, Houghtlen said he became interested in firefighting while growing up around the profession. As a child, he had opportunities to ride on fire trucks, play inside them and spend time at a fire station. That early interest developed into a love for the physical and adventurous parts of the job along with the opportunity to help people during emergencies, he said. Houghtlen described lieutenant as an ideal position because it combines leadership with active firefighting. He may lead crews at some scenes while still taking part directly in fighting fires. "As you move up the ladder, you kind of don't get to go in and do as much stuff," Houghtlen said. "So this is, to me, like the perfect spot." "I'm proud to be a Norwalk firefighter," he said. "This is where I grew up, so I'm glad to be here.