Westport Firefighters Celebrate Return Of Colleague Overseas

WESTPORT, Conn. – The Westport Fire Department on Thursday welcomed back Firefighter Pete Nichio, who recently returned from a year-long military deployment in Afghanistan.

Westport Firefighter Pete Nichio lowers the Blue Star Service Flag that flew outside fire headquarters while he was overseas.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

Westport Firefighter Pete Nichio (at flagpole) recently returned home from a year long military deployment in Afghanistan.
Photo Credit: *Contributed*

by Vanessa Inzitari

09/26/2013 3:30 p.m.

“I am overjoyed to be back with my family, which includes the brotherhood of the Westport Fire Department,” said Nichio, who is a member of the Army National Guard.

Nichio returned to work this week. In celebration of his homecoming, Nichio—who was joined by his colleagues in the department— took down the Blue Star Service Flag that flew outside fire headquarters while he was overseas.

The lowering of the service flag is a significant event for the department, Fire Chief Andrew Kingsbury said.

“Looking up and seeing that flag reminded us of Pete on a daily basis and of the sacrifices he was making for us all,” Kingsbury said. “We are blessed to have him home again.”

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