Retired Greenwich Firefighter Wins $500,000 Prize: CT Lottery

GREENWICH, CT — For one retired Greenwich firefighter, "V" marked the spot.

The Connecticut Lottery announced this week that Patrick Gordiski, a retired Greenwich firefighter and former 9/11 first responder, revealed a "V" and won $500,000 after playing the "500,000 CA$HWORD" crossword-style scratch-off game.

The winning ticket was purchased at Byram Smoke Shop on Mill Street in Greenwich, the CT Lottery said in a news release, noting Gordiski and his wife decided to buy a few tickets for fun as they were planning a much-needed vacation.

For selling the winning ticket, Byram Smoke Shop will receive a $5,000 bonus since the business is a CT Lottery retail partner.

The CT Lottery says Gordiski is a regular CT Lottery player who recently retired from the Greenwich Fire Department after 50 years of service. He also helped in the recovery efforts at Ground Zero in Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks.

Gordiski's son is currently a firefighter with the GFD, according to the CT Lottery.

"Congratulations to the entire Gordiski family and thank you for your service to our community!" the CT Lottery said in a news release.

Overall odds of "$500,000 CA$HWORD" are 1 in 2.78. Purchasers must be 18 or older.

In fiscal year 2024, lottery players won more than $1.1 billion in prizes, and retailers earned more than $85 million in commissions, the CT Lottery said.

The Connecticut Lottery Corporation also contributed $387 million to the state’s General Fund, supporting vital services including public health, libraries, public safety, and education.

Since its inception in 1972, CLC has contributed more than $11 billion to the General Fund.