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Former Town Fire Marshal Moves to Village

Wed, 09/09/2026 - 19:36
David Browne was welcomed to his new position as East Hampton Village's chief fire marshal with a personalized jersey and hat presented by Mayor Jerry Larsen, left, and the village administrator, Marcos Baladron.
Lilah Minetree

David Browne, who served as the chief fire marshal for East Hampton Town from December 2010 until this year and was a town fire marshal for several years prior, was appointed East Hampton Village’s chief fire marshal at the end of last month. 

Mr. Browne succeeds Ken Collum, who is retiring effective Tuesday. On Aug. 28, he was welcomed to his new position with a personalized jersey and hat. 

“When Kenny Collum announced his retirement after 30 years of service, we thought of one name, and one name only: Dave Browne,” Marcos Baladron, the village administrator, told The Star. Mr. Browne, he said, “embodies the experience, leadership, and profession

alism we want in our department heads. The village is always looking for the very best and most qualified people to serve our residents, and Dave certainly fits that standard.” 

“We had a little fun welcoming him with the full sports-style signing: the jersey, the hat, and all, but make no mistake. This was another major-league hire for the village,” Mr. Baladron said. “We’re thrilled to have Dave Browne wearing the village jersey.” 

Mr. Collum, Mr. Baladron said in May, “consistently puts the village’s best interest first, and his sincere perspective and calm demeanor will be greatly missed around here.” 

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