The resolution, which passed almost unanimously over the past couple of days through the House of Representatives and then the Senate, was introduced by Westport's Rep. Joseph Mioli (D-136) and Sen. Judith Freedman (R-26) Known affectionately by many as "Crobar," Cribari was lifetime member of the Saugatuck Volunteer Fire Department and a special police officer in Westport for 30 years.

"He was very well-loved by the community," Mioli said. "The kids used to call him Uncle Bill."

Cribari, who was best known as the man directing traffic in Saugatuck for many years, died Jan. 30 at the age of 88.

"Westport residents will always remember Bill Cribari as the special police officer who kept us safe directing traffic in town," Freedman said. "This is a fitting tribute to a man who is much missed."

The legislation will next go before Gov. M. Jodi Rell, who is expected to approve it.

Prior to retiring, he was employed by Nash Engineering as a tool crib operator. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Council No. 46, a life member of Saugatuck Volunteer Fire Department and the Westport PAL. Mr. Cribari was an avid Army football fan, having attended all the Army Navy football games faithfully since 1946. For many of those years he could be found walking the beat on Main Street every Saturday and directing commuter traffic at the intersection of Riverside and Saugatuck Avenues. After being replaced with a traffic light, Cribari moved to the intersection of Riverside and Bridge, where he directed traffic until he retired just a few years ago.

His other passion in life being music, Cribari joined the Saugatuck Volunteer Fire Department band as a snare drummer in the 1930s at the age of 12. During the late 1960s he served as the drum major for both the Nash Engineering Band and the Port Chester American Legion band, in which he most recently held the title of drum major emeritus. Cribari and his wife, Olga, were honored as the 2003 Grand Marshals of Festival Italiano in Westport.

During World War II, he proudly served in the U.S. Army 17th Engineering Battalion under Gen. George S. Patton taking part in three invasions: Normandy, Sicily and North Africa. He also served in the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded seven battle stars, the Arrowhead Campaign Ribbon and numerous citations and decorations. He had the honor of being the only civilian to lead a military band in review under the invitation of Gen. George S. Patton Jr. at Fort Hood, Texas, home of the 2nd Armored Division.