Gary Parker, 58, of Derby, is scheduled to be inducted into the Connecticut State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame April 7 during a ceremony at the Aqua Turf in Southington.
Click the play button to listen to a podcast with Parker recorded Tuesday.
Parker talked to the Valley Indy about growing up in Derby, his biggest influences from the fire department, memorable calls, and the challenges inherent in managing firefighters.
Parker is a former Derby Fire Department Chief and a longtime member of the Paugassett Hook and Ladder Co. No. 4 in Derby.
Parker was the city’s street commissioner from 1991 until 2005. He’s also an Eagle Scout and the president of the Housatonic Council of the Boy Scouts of America.
Click here for information on the April 7 hall of fame dinner.
Parker is the fifth Derby firefighter to be named to the hall of fame since 2009.
In 2010 former Chief Edward J. Cotter, Jr. and past DFD Chaplain Father Thomas Berberich were honored.
In 2011, former Chief Charles M. Stankye, Jr. was inducted.
In 2014 former Chief Charles M. Stankye, III was inducted.
“Chief Parker served our city with the utmost professionalism during his tenure as chief,” Mayor Anita Dugatto said in a prepared statement. ​“We salute his service to the city and congratulate him on this high honor from his brother firefighters.”