Assistant Fire Chief Retires In Greenwich After 27 Years

GREENWICH, CT — The Greenwich Fire Department announced this week the retirement of Assistant Chief Robert Kick after 27 years of service.

In a statement, Deputy Chief Larry Roberts noted Wednesday had been declared "Assistant Chief Bob Kick" day by First Selectman Fred Camillo to commemorate Kick's last day with the department. (To sign up for Greenwich breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

In an email, Camillo commended Kick for his decades of service to the Greenwich community and noted that his dedication to the department is evidenced by his accomplishments.

"As assistant chief, [Kick] oversaw the renovation of the Glenville and Byram firehouses, the assignment of officers to apparatus in all seven career fire companies, a consolidated public safety dispatch system, the hiring of 34 new career firefighters and the purchase of 14 pieces of apparatus," Camillo said in a statement. "As fire commissioner, I am grateful for Bob's assistance during the past several months and I wish him and his family well as he retires, and the best of health and happiness on his future endeavors."

A socially distanced crowd of colleagues and friends stopped by the department's central station Wednesday to wish Kick well in his retirement. Fire Chief Joe McHugh thanked Kick for his years of service and dedication to the department.

"Bob has made an incredible impact on this department," McHugh said in a statement, "his leadership and professionalism will be missed."

Kick, who joined the department in September 1993, said he planned to spend time with his family at his home in Newtown while preparing to purchase a new home outside of Connecticut.

"The job can, at times, take a toll on you," Kick said in a statement. "I will relax for a few weeks and then see what happens. We plan to complete the purchase of a home in Maine next month, that will keep me busy for a while."