Revered Vernon Fire Department Photographer Passes Away

VERNON, CT — A revered member of the Vernon Fire Department passed away on Wednesday night, fire officials said.

Charles Konarski was 77, fire Chief Steve Eppler said. He was a photographer for the department, known for his close-up shots that were as much educational as they were dramatic.

He joined the department in January 1975.

Konarski was a past Captain of Rescue 441 and both a member with the Rockville and Vernon departments.

He was promoted to lieutenant of the VFD Fire Police in Jan 2006 and captain a year later.

He went back to lieutenant in 2013.

Eppler said Konarski was always meticulous about his certifications. He was also an avid golfer.

A wake has been scheduled for Sunday 1 to 3 p.m. at the Burke Fortin Funeral Home on Prospect Street in Rockville. A church service is scheduled for Monday, at 10 a.m. at St. Joseph's Church on Union Street in Rockville. Burial will be private.

His photos frequently ran on Patch sites under his trademark credit, vfd.chas.k.

Photo Credit: Chris Dehnel