Forty-four fire-fighting years - Norwalk Fire Chief retires

http://www.greenwichtime.com/news/local/scn-sa-verda8apr06,0,4841932,print.story?coll=green-news-local-headlines

Forty-four fire-fighting years

By Matt Breslow
Staff Writer

April 6, 2004

NORWALK -- Black-and-white newspaper clippings about decades of major Norwalk blazes line a hallway at Charles A. Volk Central Fire Station.

Fire Chief James Verda looked thoughtfully at the photos and articles yesterday, recalling the most eventful conflagrations of his nearly 45-year career.

"Brings back a lot of memories," said Verda, 69, who retires tomorrow.

Over the years, Verda said, stricter building codes and other factors have reduced the number and severity of fires in Norwalk. Medical, confined-rescue and hazardous-material calls now comprise a much greater portion of the department's workload.

But at least one thing hasn't changed.

"I love firefighting," he said. "I had to love it pretty good -- I spent 44 years on the department, right?"

After serving his entire adult life in one uniform or another -- mostly that of the Norwalk Fire Department -- he predicted waking up Thursday as a civilian will feel strange. He said leaving the department won't be easy, and he'll miss his friends.

However, Verda said: "I feel that 44 years is a long haul."

"I think it's time for me to go," he said.

The outgoing chief wants to spend more time with his two grandchildren and plans to travel. He has a head start on both goals after returning recently from a family trip to Walt Disney World. Verda is a member of the Norwalk Exchange Club and hopes to become more active in that community service group.

But Verda admits he will still be listening to fire calls on the scanner at home.

"I will be, yeah," he said with a smile.

Verda became a Norwalk firefighter in November 1959 after serving more than two years on the Westport Police Department. The Westport native, who married a city woman and remains a Norwalk resident, had previously served nearly two years in the U.S. Army.

His father was a volunteer fireman in Saugatuck, and Verda had many friends on the Norwalk Fire Department before joining. He loved the camaraderie within the department and friendly competition between shifts over who could stop a fire the fastest.

"Back in those days, you used to get some real serious fires -- much bigger fires," Verda said.

He also enjoyed the challenge of battling a blaze, pitting one's physical strength against flames and the elements while working as a member of a team.

Describing the Norwalk Fire Department when he joined, Verda paints a picture of an organization facing a crossroads somewhat similar to its current position. Soon after Verda joined, the department began discussing a new headquarters -- which landed them at Volk -- and an insurance rating company suggested expanding beyond the two fire houses that then existed.

Norwalk is seeking a consultant to study issues, including whether the department should renovate Volk or move to the former Norwalk Transit District bus barn, and whether the city should build a sixth fire station in the northern section of town.

Verda gradually worked his way up the fire department ladder, becoming assistant chief in the early 1980s and rising to the top spot when Chief John Yost died in 1997.

Verda has enjoyed being chief and cites accomplishments such as returning to the use of the New York-style fire helmet and revamping the dress uniform to boost morale. He prides himself in his top priorities, including training and providing as much protection as possible for his men.

But Verda says an officer is only as good as the men below him, and he takes the most pride in the dedication and professionalism of Norwalk's bravest.

"When they come back safe and sound (from a fire) . . . and they do a good job, that makes me proud of the firefighters that I've had the privilege of commanding," he said.

Assistant Chief Sanford Anderson, who takes over for Verda tomorrow, said his predecessor was a "very effective" leader who would "bend over backwards" to do a good job. Anderson said he is comforted that Verda will be around to advise him if necessary.

Mayor Alex Knopp said he is pleased Verda agreed to serve on a committee that will oversee the upcoming consultant's study. Knopp praised Verda's dedication and loyalty to Norwalk.

"Jim Verda has had an extremely distinguished career as fire chief of Norwalk and can point to many improvements and a better fire safety record for Norwalk that he can be very proud of," the mayor said.

Police chief Harry Rilling said Verda "has served the city well and he has earned his retirement with distinction."

"Guys like Jim are the salt of the earth," Rilling said. "They're dedicated, committed to their mission . . . and to serve the community for 44 years is a remarkable challenge -- one that I know Jimmy loved."