Respected MFD Firefighter Retires After Decorated 25-Year Career

MANCHESTER, CT — A veteran member of the Manchester Fire Department is being recognized for a 25-year career with the department. Firefighter Craig Pardi recently worked his final shift.

Pardi was hired in February 2001 by then-Chief Weber. He served as a firefighter-paramedic on Shift 4, with assignments at Medic 2 and Station 3 during his career.

The department said Pardi helped train incoming paramedics by serving as a preceptor for new staff. The statement also said he later transitioned to the apparatus-based paramedic program and took part in some of the largest events in MFD history. During that work, the department said, he was recognized with Unit Citations and Campaign Awards.

Later in his career, Pardi moved into the role of senior firefighter, according to the statement. In that position, he was assigned to Engines 4 and 5, and most recently Engine 7.

The department credited Pardi with responding to thousands of incidents over the course of his service. It also said he cared for an untold number of people during his years on the job, reflecting a career centered on emergency response and patient care in the community.

The department highlighted a career that included field paramedic work, mentorship of new paramedics and later leadership as a senior firefighter.