Danbury Fire Lt. Skip Omasta is retiring from the Department after 39 years in the career service and three years in the volunteer Department.  Fire Chief Geoff Herald says Omasta is the longest serving Lieutenant in the City of Danbury.

Herald called Omasta an inspiration, a leader and fantastic firefighter who will be sorely missed.  He says Omasta has certainly earned his retirement, but it's a sad loss for the Department.  He notes that the City residents and the Department are better for having him as a member.

State Representative Jan Giegler presented Omasta with a citation, signed by leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly as a token of gratitude for years of public service.  She says Omasta has been a role model for current Danbury firefighters and for those who will follow who can learn a lot from his service.

Giegler says Omasta's years of exemplary service should be considered a foundation to public safety and joined others in saluting his efforts to protect people and property in Danbury.