Zachary D. Hermann, 57, of North Stonington, passed away suddenly at home.
Zack was born Jan. 6, 1958, in New London to William F. and June Simpson Hermann of Mystic. He attended Groton public schools and graduated from Fitch High School in 1976. He was a life member of the Mystic Hook and Ladder Co., a life member of the Old Mystic Fire Co., and a member of the North Stonington Fire Co. A semester of study at Marin Community College in California for fire science and technology didn't take, and he returned to the workforce in Connecticut.
He worked for Cottrell Lumber Co., the Groton Emergency Dispatch Center, and the U.S. Submarine Base Fire Department before being appointed to the City of Bridgeport Fire Department in 1987. He was assigned to Truck Co. 10 on the East Side, when things were busy. He became a chauffeur, a highly respected mentor of knot-headed probies, earned awards for bravery and admiration for his work ethic. His devotion to the care of his rig was legendary; though now the oldest ladder truck on the job, it was the pride of the fleet thanks to his ministrations. His reputation as a good fireman was beyond reproach.
On his off time he enjoyed being off; maintaining his personal vehicles, hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing, and the conviviality of any number of pleasant establishments such as, but not limited to, The Harp and Hound, the Daniel Packer Inne, and the Ocean Mist.
He is survived by his sister, Adriene Malley of Sebastopol, Calif., his brother-in-law, Michael Malley, an uncle, Jack Cuff of Sebastapol; as well as a legion of brothers and sisters whose lives he touched in the fire service, numerous friends, and two disreputable cats.
His family will receive friends from 2 to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, at the Mystic Hook and Ladder Co., 52 New London Road, Mystic. A celebration of Zack's life will follow from 5 to 6 p.m.
Donations in Zack's memory may be made to the Bridgeport Fallen Firefighter's Foundation, PO Box 522, Bridgeport, CT 06601 or an animal rescue shelter of your choice.
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