From battling the massive Sponge Rubber arson fire in 1975 to rescuing one of the survivors of the River Restaurant explosion a decade later, Derby Fire Marshal Phil Hawks has seen his share of triumphs and tragedies.
Hawks, 66, has dedicated much of his adult life to fire service. He joined Hotchkiss Hose Fire Co. No. 1 as a volunteer firefighter at 16, worked his way through the ranks to fire chief and ultimately was named fire marshal – a position he’s been proud to hold for the past 25 years.
But on Aug. 5, Hawks stepped out of the fire marshal’s office at Derby City Hall one last time, when he officially retired.
“I think I’m going to put my feet up a little bit,” Hawks said. ?“I still will keep my certification and will keep my options open. I’ll remain active in the firehouse. I’m excited to be able to drive the fire trucks again.”