By Lauren Stanforth
The Times Union
ALBANY, N.Y. — Former Fire Chief Robert Forezzi Sr., who retired in 2013 after almost 40 years with the department, died early Sunday morning.
Forezzi, whose son Robert is a city police officer and son Nicholas is a firefighter, had been diagnosed with cancer shortly after he retired two years ago. He was 61.
Forezzi grew up in Albany’s South End, across the street from the old Engine No. 5 firehouse on the corner of Franklin Street and Fourth Avenue where his grandfather, John Foley, was a lieutenant.
He became a firefighter in 1974, and held “every job in the department,” he had said before rising to the top of the ranks.
During his time as chief, Forezzi increased safety training for firefighters and started programs focused on community engagement, including an EMT class at Albany High School, a fire prevention program for elementary students, and a protective services team that serves as an emergency responder for vulnerable city residents.
His 2013 departure coincided with longtime Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings leaving office.
Jennings appointed Forezzi deputy chief in 2002 and then chief in 2006.
___
(c)2015 the Times Union (Albany, N.Y.)
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.