Stratford Fire Chief Retires After 50 Years

STRATFORD, CT — It's the end of an era for Stratford firefighters, after Fire Chief Robert McGrath served his last day with the department Friday.

McGrath had a 50-year career in firefighting, according to a Facebook post from Stratford Professional Firefighters IAFF 998, which shared a letter written by McGrath's son but did not identify the son by name.

Following a 41-year career with the Stamford Fire Department, where McGrath worked his way up from firefighter to chief, he accepted a job in 2011 as head of the department in Stratford, the letter said. McGrath's original contract was for one year, but he stayed in the position for eight years, according to the letter, which said McGrath is retiring to spend more time with his grandchildren and at his home in Florida.

McGrath was a selfless leader who thought of himself as a firefighter rather than the chief, the letter said.

"Enjoy your well earned retirement Chief after your hard work," the union said in the Facebook post. "Thank you for all you've done for us! You'll be missed!"

McGrath is the second leader to leave the Stratford department this month. Deputy Fire Chief Jon Gottfried resigned effective Jan. 3. The town still has the job opening for Gottfried's former position posted online, although an opening for the job of department chief has not been posted.