STRATFORD, CT—After 50 years in the fire service, Fire Chief Robert McGrath had his last day with the Stratford Fire Department on Friday.
McGrath’s career began half a century ago, according to a letter written by McGrath’s son, shared by the Stratford Professional Firefighters IAFF 9988 via Facebook.
He began as a probationary firefighter with the Stamford Fire and Rescue Department in 1970.
“With hard work, grit, and determination, he worked his way up to through the ranks from firefighter to lieutenant, captain, assistant chief and ultimately chief where he oversaw the department for over a decade,” wrote McGrath’s son, who wasn’t identified by name.
After 41 years in Stamford, he stepped down in the summer of 2011.
But, in the months that followed what McGrath thought was his retirement, he felt like he had more to give, his son said. So in September 2011, McGrath accepted the position of fire chief in Stratford.
When McGrath signed on, it was a one-year contract. He ended up staying for eight years until he retired Friday.
“He always did things the right way, and watching him for as long as I can remember, I have always marveled at his humility,” McGrath’s son said.
He said his father never called himself a “fire chief,” rather he would also refer to himself as a firefighter — “because that’s exactly what he was,” his son said.
He said one of McGrath’s fellow firefighters — Ben Byxbee — told him years ago why everyone loved his father.
“He never forgot who he was or where he came from,” McGrath’s son recalled Byxbee saying. “He is the exact guy today as he was years ago when he was battling fires with us in the treaches, he just have more responsibility now.”
McGrath’s son said his father loved his fellow firefighters in Stamford and Stratford. He said his father treated them like family and always put their needs ahead of his own.
“He was a selfless leader, who led from the front and did whatever it took to keep his firefighters and the citizens of Stamford and Stratford safe,” McGrath’s son said.
“Thank you, Chief McGrath for 50 years of service,” his son continued. “You and your fellow firefighters leave for work each day and put your lives on the line for complete strangers and sometimes we forget that. There are people who are walking this earth today because of the amazing heroics of you and your brothers. Years ago my family and I witnessed it with our own eyes. We are the lucky ones knowing such an amazing man and his department watch over us day in and day out.”
The chief’s son said the retirement comes at a time when McGrath wanted to spend more time with his two grandchildren and enjoy his home in Florida with his wife.
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