Westmont, Illinois -- Date Issued: January 14, 2022
For the past year, Westmont Deputy Fire Chief James Fitzgerald has been on deployment with the U.S. Coast Guard as Commanding Officer of Patrol Boat 32131. Fitzgerald’s deployment to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba began March, 2021. He is expected to return to Westmont in March of 2022.
At the January 13, 2022 Village Board meeting, Mayor Ron Gunter read a letter from Deputy Chief Fitzgerald regarding a gift he recently sent to the village. While on his deployment, “Fitz” missed Westmont’s 100th Anniversary on November 10 of last year. While originally hoping to present a 100th Anniversary gift to the village in person upon his return from deployment, he opted to send it early to be included as part of Westmont’s 100th Anniversary events. The gift, a flag that was flown on his patrol boat, expresses Fitzgerald’s thanks and appreciation for the support he has received while on deployment.
“Serving as a commanding officer of a Port Security Unit is one of the most rewarding jobs a reservist in the Coast Guard can fulfill,'' stated Fitzgerald. “There are only eight units like this in the Coast Guard Reserve. The selection process is extremely competitive and while this has been a demanding role, it has been my honor to serve in this capacity. I want to thank the Village of Westmont, which has supported me through eight deployments during my 30 years of service in the Coast Guard.”
Fitgerald’s career started with Westmont in 1997 as both a Contract Medic and Part-time Firefighter Paramedic. Remaining with the Westmont Fire Department, he was then promoted to Lieutenant in 2003, following a second deployment overseas. In 2014, he was promoted to Captain, then promoted to Battalion Chief 2015. In 2020, Fitz was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief. He also serves as the Westmont Fire Department’s Accreditation Officer. Fitgerald’s service with the U.S. Coast Guard began in 1992.
The Village of Westmont thanks Deputy Chief Fitzgerald for his service in the Coast Guard and appreciates his 100th Anniversary gift to the Village of Westmont, which will be displayed at Village Hall.
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Contact: Larry McIntyre
Village of Westmont
Communications Director/Public Information Officer
630-417-0280
lmcintyre@westmont.il.gov
