Last week, Ken Gilbertie retired from the Westport Fire Department.
He spent 32 years as a dispatcher. He also served as a firefighter with the Westport Volunteer Fire Department since 1982, retiring with the rank of deputy chief.
Alert — and inspired — “06880” reader Dan Paliotta writes: “As a volunteer firefighter myself, I have had the incredible opportunity to serve alongside Ken for 7 years. As a dispatcher, he was the first line of communication for the public. He was the calm voice behind the scenes in chaotic and often life-threatening situations. If you’ve ever needed our town’s fire services, chances are your call was answered and dispatched by Ken.
Ken Gilbertie (Photo/David Friedman for MSNBC.com)
“As deputy chief of the Volunteer Department, Ken has also worked on the front lines, responding to countless incidents across town and assisting hands on.
“Whether behind the scenes as a dispatcher or on the front lines fighting fires as a volunteer, Ken has saved countless lives throughout his 30+ years of service to our community.”
Thanks, Ken, for your service. You are a true Unsung Hero.
(In 2011, MSNBC interviewed Ken Gilbertie. Click here for that story. To nominate an Unsung Hero, email dwoog@optonline.net)
A big Thank you to Ken for all his years of service to the town. And a wish for a wonderful long happy retirement!!
I think ken served our Westport community like a charm and as a former firefighter I am very proud of his service I do hope he get to relax more from sal
Well Done Cuz! Best wishes to you and your family in your move, and future. Thank you for your service to our town and community over the past 30 plus years.
Thank you Dan, I am humbled by your recognition. And thank you Dan Paliotta for alerting Dan Woog. You are going places young man.
Congrats again, Ken. Definitely well deserved!