Last Wednesday, more than 110 people, including many of the town’s political and organizational figureheads, convened at the Greenwich Police Station to honor the late Dan Warzoha, the beloved longtime former Greenwich Fire Chief and Greenwich Emergency Management Director, in dedication of the Emergency Operations Center in his name.

This memorable and moving ceremony captured the impact, legacy and heart of Dan Warzoha, who passed in 2021 at the age of 68, in honor of his dedication in having helped protect the 60,000-plus citizens in town for so many decades through his amazing level of work and commitment during his remarkable career.

Born and raised in Greenwich, Warzoha served as the Greenwich Fire Department Chief from 1999 to 2005, the Greenwich Emergency Management Coordinator from 2005 to 2007 and the Greenwich Emergency Management Director from 2007 until his passing in 2021.

A lifelong Glenville resident and longtime volunteer who was the former District Chief of the Glenville Fire Company and had been involved with the creation of the Greenwich Emergency Medical Service in the 1980s, among other things, Warzoha helped the community navigate through many portentous situations and times, including the frightening pandemic period as well as Hurricane Sandy in safe, effective and comforting fashion.

“He had a compassionate, caring and cool demeanor and helped get us through,” said Stephen Warzoha, his son. “Having the Greenwich Operations Center named after him means everything.”

Warzoha, the son of Claire and the late Stephen T. Warzoha, husband of Diane Warzoha, father of Stephen Warzoha and Daniel Warzoha and his wife, Kathryn, as well as grandfather to their children, Gavin and Layla, was a constant force in the community whose impact and legacy has been profound and lasting, something that could be very much felt at this ceremony.

“His daily presence, reassuring demeanor, vast institutional knowledge, strong network of contacts at the state level and affable nature was a comfort to all of us who worked with him at the Town’s Emergency Operations Center. Being of service was his calling,” said Stephen Warzoha. “We are so grateful, on behalf of our entire family and looking around this room, it fills my heart.”

A devoted New York Yankees and New York Giants fan who was active with the Boy Scouts of America and Greenwich High School sports community during the time his son, Daniel was a member of its varsity football and rugby teams, Warzoha was known for his warm, friendly and stealth demeanor and always took the time to chat everyone he encountered.

“People always stop me to tell stories about my father. He was never one to seek the limelight,” said Stephen Warzoha, who achieved the golden level of Eagle Scout as a member of the Boy Scouts of America. “Being of service was his calling.”

All throughout this ceremony, the mood among the standing-room only crowd was palpable, with such town figureheads as First Selectman Fred Camillo, Greenwich Chief of Police James Heavey, Greenwich Fire Department Chief Joseph McHugh, Connecticut State Senator Ryan Fazio, Selectman Lauren Rabin, Select Person Janet Stone McGuigan, former Connecticut State Senator Scott Frantz and so many others there who were gratefully present to honor the legacy, impact and role Warzoha had and continues to have upon the community.

“This dedication is a testament to Dan Warzoha with all he did for us and the town,” said First Selectman Fred Camillo. “He certainly helped bring the Emergency Operations Center to where it is today and he was amazing. He was a colleague and more than that, he was a friend and a man of Greenwich.”

Others echoed the same moving sentiments.

“His career was remarkable and he won the respect and admiration of everybody,” said Scott Frantz of Greenwich, former Connecticut State Senator. “He helped save lives and his experience, connections and leadership qualities were amazing.”

Stephen Warzoha, meanwhile, said there were two sayings his father had always used to say that expressed so much of his father’s spirit, heart and personality.

“His two famous lines were ‘Keep the faith’ and ‘What can tell you?’ said Warzoha.

Certainly, the legacy and impact of Dan Warzoha seems to be strong as strong as ever, especially with the moving
dedication of the Emergency Operations Center in his name.https://www.greenwichsentinel.com/2023/11/10/dedication-of-emergency-operations-center-at-greenwich-police-station-in-honor-of-dan-warzoha-a-moving-and-memorable-tribute/