MARLBOROUGH – Marlborough Firefighters Local 1714 recently recognized seven of its retirees.
The retirees were honored with plaques from the local for their years of service and proclamations from the State House at a party held on May 20th at the Hudson Elks.
The retirees were Captain Stephen Krysa, Lieutenant David Cafarelli, Firefighter Thomas Mellor, Firefighter Edmoth Matthews, Firefighter Eric Clapper, Firefighter Joseph Popek and Firefighter Robert Dolan. There was over 226 years of experience between the honorees.
The following month, another firefighter was recognized for his service.
Firefighter Richard “Smiley” McGrath worked his last shift as Marlborough Fire’s Tower 1 driver on June 5, calling it a career after 37 years on the job.
McGrath was appointed as a firefighter on Sept. 7, 1986. He was assigned to Engine 3/Ladder1 at Station 3, and also worked on Engine 2 at Station 2, affectionately known to the firefighters as “The Hill.” He was eventually assigned to Fire Headquarters and worked on Rescue 1, Engine 1 and Tower 1.
McGrath also worked as painter on his days off from the firehouse and continues to work part time at the Home Decor store on Boston Post Road East.
He lives in Marlborough with his wife Carolyn and has two grown children, Katie McGrath and Billy McGrath.
