Two of the Greenwich Fire Department's most senior officials have stepped down after a combined half-century of service.
Fire Marshal Bob Roth, who spent 27 years with the department, and Deputy Chief Erik Maziarz, who served 23 years, both retired, the GFD announced in a Facebook post reported by Patch on Monday, Aug. 31.
The department said both men left a lasting mark on the GFD and that their leadership and commitment to the community would be missed.
Roth: from firefighter to fire marshal
Roth rose through the ranks from firefighter to deputy fire marshal and ultimately fire marshal. He developed the department's child car seat safety installation program, which brought the GFD into direct contact with families across Greenwich.
He also helped lead public education programming in local schools. The department said his commitment to public safety extended well beyond the firehouse.
Maziarz: modernizing equipment and operations
Maziarz followed a similar path upward, starting as a firefighter and advancing to lieutenant before becoming deputy chief. Over the past several years, he led the planning and purchase of new fire apparatus, helping ensure firefighters had the equipment they needed.
He also played a key role in updating the department's hose layouts and operating procedures, changes the GFD said modernized how crews respond to emergencies.
A summer of turnover
The retirements cap a busy summer of departures. Whitney Welch, Greenwich's first female firefighter, retired at the end of July after 37 years. Eddie Williams, another senior firefighter, retired in early August after 38 years, according to Greenwich Free Press.
Together, the four departures represent more than 125 combined years of service.
The department has been working to replenish its ranks. Five new recruits were sworn in at GFD headquarters on Aug. 7, with Chief Joseph McHugh administering the oath of office alongside First Selectman Fred Camillo, Patch reported. The recruits are Brinton Beard, Kevin Bonkoski, Joshua Carden, Ethan McAllister and Brandon Wood.
No successors for the fire marshal or deputy chief positions have been announced.
