Tag Archives: Turk Aksoy

Pic Of The Day #951

Posted on November 24, 2019 | Comments Off on Pic Of The Day #951

Saugatuck fire station mourns Westport firefighter Turk Aksoy (Photo/Lynn Untermeyer Miller)

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Remembering Turk Aksoy

Posted on November 23, 2019 | 7 comments

The Westport Uniformed Firefighters Association Local 1081 announces with great sorrow the death of Westport firefighter Turk Aksoy. 

The 13-year Westport Fire Department veteran succumbed to an occupational cancer yesterday. He was 46 years old.

Before joining the Westport Fire Department, Turk worked for many years as a paramedic.

His wife Denise died this past January. They leave behind 2 children.

Turk Aksoy and his wife Denise.

Turk will be memorialized by Local 1081 and the Westport Fire Department. Details of services are still pending.

Local 1081 adds: “Please keep Turk’s children, his family, friends and fellow firefighters in your thoughts for strength and healing in this difficult time. Click here to make a donation in Turk’s memory, and in support of his children.”

In 2016, Turk testified before the Connecticut House Labor Committee, in support of presumptive cancer legislation. He said:

You know, it’s not easy. Every morning you wake up and you got to put your feet on the floor because you have a family looking after you and hopefully, you know, I’ll go back to work tonight actually, and then tomorrow I’m back in New York City starting chemo again. That’ll wipe me out for three days until I have to go back to work again. It’s tough on my kids, it’s tough on my wife…

Local 1081 says, “Occupational cancer has proven to be the new epidemic we face in the fire service. Far too many members of the fire service have been lost to this relentless illness.

“Rest in peace, Turk. You have served your community with tremendous honor, and will be greatly missed.”

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Take Time To Help Turk

Posted on June 23, 2019 | 1 comment

Westport’s firefighters are always there for us.

Now it’s time for us to help one of them.

Turk Aksoy

Turk Aksoy has been a Westport firefighter since 2006, when he was the top-ranked candidate for appointment. Before fulfilling his long-time dream job, Turk had been a paramedic.

He raises funds for veterans’ organizations by racing in triathlons, and competing in Tough Mudder events.

In 2014 — just 41 years old — Turk was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer. Doctors told him there is a 5-year survival rate of 14%. He was given 3 years to live.

Five years later, Turk is still fighting. He continued to work — scheduling treatment around his department shifts. His fellow firefighters were awed by his strong, resilient and brave attitude.

In December — when the cancer spread to his liver and lungs — Turk’s condition and his aggressive medical treatments made it impossible to continue to work.

But that’s not all he’s facing.On January 30 — his 46th birthday — Turk’s beautiful wife and source of constant support, Denise, died unexpectedly.

The emotional toll on Turk and his children, Tess and Tyson, has been devastating.

Turk Aksoy and his family.

The kids are as remarkable as their parents. Tess, 14, just finished her freshman year at Nonnewaug High School. She is president of Pony Pals 4H Club, and a member of Future Farmers of America. She hopes for a career in equine science.

Tyson, 12, is energetic and athletic. He loves lacrosse, outdoor exploration and photography.

His brothers and sisters in the Westport Fire Department are rallying around Turk, Tess and Tyson.

But they can’t do it alone. They’ve set up a GoFundMe page, to help Turk “as he fights his illness with dignity and confidence.”

Donations will help Tess and Tyson achieve their educational goals and dreams.

Click here — and give as generously as Turk, and his colleagues, have always given to us.

(Hat tips: Dave Wilson and Trissie Rost)

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