First Selectman Mike Tetreau announced today that Governor Dannel P. Malloy has appointed
Fairfield resident Louis Schueler to serve as Harbor Master for the harbors and navigable
waterways of Southport.
Pursuant to Sections 4-1 and 15-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Governor appointed Mr.
Schueler to serve in this position starting March 6, 2014 with a term ending June 30, 2016 or until
a successor is appointed and has qualified, whichever is longer, in succession to former Harbor
Master Patrick Carroll.
Louis Schueler has served on the Harbor Management Commission (HMC) for eight years. In
addition, Mr. Schueler served as President of the Community Sailing of Fairfield (CSF) for nine
years and is still currently a member.
Upon graduation from Boston University, Mr. Schueler received a Second Lieutenant’s commission
in the United States Air Force through the Air Force R.O.T.C. program. From 1959 to 1965,
Mr. Schueler served in the United States Air Force. He then flew in the 60th
Squadron. Mr. Schueler served as Pilot for United Air Lines for 32 years. He served as Chair
of the JFK Domicile’s Employee Assistance Program and later received the JFK Flight Office
“Captain of the Year” award.
Mr. Schueler, a 49-year resident who moved to Fairfield on December 15, 1965, is married with
three daughters and five grandchildren and enjoys volunteering and helping others.
In his letter of interest to the HMC, Mr. Schueler wrote, “Having worked with the HMC and
Captain Carroll, I am familiar with the Harbor Master’s role in accomplishing the (duties of Harbor
Master). I have also been an active member of the CSF serving as President for nine years. I have
taken a participating role with the HMC in planning the upcoming dredging project in the area
surrounding the Lower Wharf and Ye Yacht Yard where CSF’s boats are docked.”
Mr. Schueler said, “I am deeply honored to have been appointed to this important role which I
sought to follow in the path of Captain Patrick Carroll and to continue to maintain the principles set
forth in the Harbor Management Plan. I look forward to serving our residents and our great town.”
First Selectman Tetreau said, “I am pleased the Governor has chosen Louis Schueler, who like
many, including the Harbor Management Commission, recognizes that Mr. Schueler is extremely
capable and well-qualified to assume this key position. I thank the Governor, the HMC, as well as
former Harbor Master Pat Carroll for his 23 years of outstanding service and dedication.”
Last October, the First Selectman announced that the Fairfield Harbor Management Commission
(FHMC) was accepting resumes from Fairfield residents interested in being considered for the
position of Southport Harbor Master.
The Southport Harbor Master is a state official appointed by the Governor of Connecticut for a
three-year term pursuant to Sec. 15-1 of the Connecticut General Statutes. The Harbor Master
serves as an ex-officio member of the HMC and is responsible for the safe and efficient operation
of Southport Harbor. It is the responsibility of the Harbor Master to assist the HMC with
implementation of the Southport Harbor Management Plan adopted by the Fairfield Representative
Town Meeting (RTM) and approved by the State of Connecticut. In conducting his or her
duties, the Harbor Master must work cooperatively with the HMC, Fairfield Police Department,
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,
Fairfield Shellfish Commission, and all other agencies and organizations with responsibilities
affecting Southport Harbor.
The Southport Harbor Master is a part-time job. The Harbor Management Commission pays
$660.00 a month plus expenses, such as printing and mailing, and the State pays a one-time annual
payment of $750.00.
The HMC had received and reviewed all submittals and provided a list of recommended nominees
to the Governor. Pursuant to the Connecticut General Statutes, the Governor must appoint the
Harbor Master from a list of not less than three nominees provided by the HMC.