By FireRescue1 Staff
WILTON, Conn. — Fellow firefighters are mourning the death of a veteran firefighter who died from cancer last week.
Wilton Volunteer Fire Department firefighter Philip Reeves died Feb. 7; he joined the service as a firefighter with the Westport Fire Department in 1980.
Colleagues said Reeves had a passion for his career. He held numerous positions, including pumper engineer, fire lieutenant and safety officer before retiring in 2016.
“He never felt sorry for himself. The way he dealt with his illness with dignity is something we could all aspire to,” Westport Deputy Chief Robert Kepchar told The Hour.
Reeves also served six years in the U.S. Army and later served two tours in Iraq.
“He was a great guy and dedicated worker who certainly always told you what he thought,” Chief Kepchar said. “He took his job very seriously — the kind of guy who always made sure that he did his best on every call he ever went out on.”
Reeves leaves behind his wife and children. Funeral services will be held Feb. 18.