Greenwich Looks To Name Emergency Operations Center After Dan Warzoha

GREENWICH, CT — Greenwich's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) was where the late Dan Warzoha shined, and now the town is looking to name the facility in his honor.

Warzoha died suddenly in August 2021 at the age of 68. Last week, Dan's son, Steve Warzoha, went before the board and presented the naming request.

Steve thanked the community for their support over the past two years, and said many people have suggested a permanent way to memorialize his father.

"Working with all of the departments during extremely difficult times and situations to ensure that the safety and well being of all of our residents was truly his passion," Steve said. "While he was the public face of emergency response here in Greenwich, he was also the last person to take credit for his work. It was always about the team. This was not an honor he would ever sought, but he would be deeply moved. Our entire family is very grateful and touched that in a small way, his memory and his service will be memorialized by the town that he dedicated his life to."

The board did not take any action as is customary for a first read of an agenda item, but a vote is expected next week.

A Greenwich native, Dan was a life member and district chief for the Glenville Volunteer Fire Company, and later served as chief of the Greenwich Fire Department from 1999 to 2005.

In 2005, he was appointed as a coordinator for emergency management in Greenwich, and was named director in August of 2007.

In his role, Dan helped coordinate Greenwich's emergency response plans among town and private organizations that play key or ancillary roles in responding to an incident of mass casualty, disaster or bioterrorism.

Camillo, who knew Dan for about 40 years, said the town has been considering this for some time.

"We talked about a lot of different venues, but I spent a lot of time in that room with your dad," Camillo said. "During a storm he would sit there and he wouldn't move, and he'd be there all day and all night. He shined."

Camilo praised Dan's work and dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic, and credited him as one of the reasons why the town was able to push through to brighter days.

"We were well-informed, we met every morning, every afternoon, informed the public and he had a lot to do with all of that," Camillo added. "Danny was a great guy, and I certainly miss him a lot."

Selectwoman Lauren Rabin said the naming of the EOC was "a great way" to honor Dan.

"He was sort of relentless in making sure our big community of 60,000-plus people were safe in some of the most trying times, whether it was the pandemic or hundred year storms. This is well deserved," she said.

There was also support from the public. Resident Clare Lawler Kilgallen spoke briefly and endorsed the honor.

"I wanted to support the honoring of a man who has given so much to the town. I am full in support of this.