60 years fly by for Robert Grace marking a fire department milestone

March 19, 2025  |  By Gary Dillon 

Robert Grace has been a Waterbury Fire Department member for 60 years this month. Courtesy photo

On March 9, 2025, Robert Grace accomplished something that no other Waterbury Firefighter has: he celebrated 60 years in the department. 

Robert joined on this date in 1965, and during this still ongoing career he has accomplished a great deal. He served our country in the United States Army in Vietnam, worked his way up the ranks on the department from firefighter to fire chief, before stepping down to spend more time with his growing family.

Key initiatives that he was involved with were “Project Ram” where we raised donations to purchase our first hydraulic ram for lifting or pushing, led the fire department’s portion of “The History of Waterbury, VT from 1915 through 1991,” and being a member of the fire station committee to plan, design, and build the two stations. 

In 2010, the Town received its first engine as part of the newly merged fire department (Village and Town). Due to his many dedicated years, and all of his accomplishments, the members honored Robert with dedicating the engine in his name. This is a very rare occurrence, an honor that only two other members have been bestowed.

Robert was the fire chief when I joined in 1981 and was one of my mentors. Many members can say the same as Robert wanted all members to be able to grow and learn. As part of this, he created the Cornelius C. Fisher Memorial Education Fund that provides funding for community and firefighter education.

On behalf of all the members of the Waterbury Fire Department, we congratulate Robert on 60 years of heartfelt dedication to the department and community.

The Robert Grace fire engine in a recent Not Quite Independence Day parade. Photo by Gordon Miller

Gary Dillon is chief of Waterbury Fire Department.