The town of Greenwich honored longtime Fire Chief Richard Strain Jr. of the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Department with a proclamation.

First Selectman Fred Camillo marked Oct. 16, 2023, as the Volunteer District Chief Richard Strain Jr. Day for his 40 years of service.

Members of the Round Hill Volunteer Fire Company, Greenwich Fire Department administration, and the entire town volunteer district chiefs joined to honor Strain Jr.

Chief Strain joined Round Hill Volunteer just months out of high school back in 1973 and he's continued serving for the past 50 years.

He says the family legacy began when the fire company began in 1948 with his great-grandfather and was passed down the generations.

"It's been challenging at times, but it's nice to know that it's all appreciated," Strain Jr. said. "This company has been a part of my family for generations.

Since then, the Round Hills volunteers have responded to nearly 14,000 emergency calls.

Strain Jr. stepped down to assistant district chief earlier this summer. His daughter, Sharon Strain, is the new volunteer district chief at Round Hill Volunteer.

"He is absolutely humble and the most deserving person for the proclamation as well as the award from the national association, and I have big shoes to fill," said Strain.

The passion to serve in the fire department has become a family legacy.