Police/Fire

Firefighter Ferst retires

Now retired Westfield firefighter, Lenny Ferst on his last day at work. (Photo by Peter Currier)

WESTFIELD- The Westfield Fire Department celebrated the career of firefighter Lenny Ferst Friday on his last day in the fire service before he begins his retirement.

Ferst, 65, has been with the fire service for a month shy of 36 years. His entire career was spent in Westfield working on the ambulances in addition to the firetrucks. Ferst reflected a little bit on his career as he prepared for retirement.

“I’ve seen the first woman in the fire department. I’ve seen the first paramedics come into the fire department. I’ve seen the first diesel ambulance in the fire department,” said Ferst.

Over the course of his 36 years in firefighting, Ferst said that a lot has changed. He said the gear got lighter and more streamlined, the training is better and the firefighters are healthier and more physically fit. He said the trucks have also changed to become bigger and hold more water.

He added that he has been pleased to see more manpower over the years, creating a need for more sub-stations such as the Little River Station on Little River Road.

“We’ve gotten some really good people here. From the chief right on down. The deputies, the captains — they’re all knowledgeable. They’re willing to work with you. They’re willing to train you. It’s just a great group of guys,” said Ferst. “I’m proud of what I did here. I’m proud to work with these guys.”

Ferst says the citizens of Westfield should be proud to have a department like theirs.

“The way I look at the fire department is: If you don’t know what else to do, call the fire department,” said Ferst.

While recalling the span of his career, Ferst said that the only two days he remembers are his first and last day. Everything in the middle is one big blur to him.

His very first call, 36 years ago, was a grease fire on Franklin Street. Somebody was attempted to deep fry something when the grease splashed out and started a blaze. He recalled that the truck they had at the time was borrowed from Chicopee and didn’t have enough seats for the firefighters. Ferst and another firefighter had to ride on the back of the truck on the tailboard while holding on, something that he says is rather taboo today.

His final call was to a home on East Bartlett Street.

He noted that he was recently driving around with his family and started pointing out all of the houses in Westfield that he had been inside for various calls over the years.

“It’s been a good career for me. I’m sad to go, but it is what it is,” said Ferst.

As far as his plans for retirement, Ferst said that he has no idea what he is going to do now. He said he would take a few months off to relax and wait for something to find him.

For his last day, the fire department had a lunch in the department headquarters in his honor, with his family coming by to join the celebration as well.

Deputy Fire Chief Andy Hart gave high praise to Ferst during his final day on the job. Hart has been with the department for 26 years.

“Lenny and I were ambulance partners when I first got on. To this day he is a hard worker. He’s not afraid to get in the thick of things,” said Hart. “This job means a lot to him and we’re sad to see him go.”

Civil service rules for firefighters dictate that they must retire by one month after their 65th birthday at the latest. Ferst, who turned 65 on Aug. 11, said that if that rule wasn’t in place he would stay.

“It is a young man’s game. It’s physical,” said Ferst.

Ferst closed out by saying that he finds the fire department to be the perfect job.

Peter Currier can be reached at [email protected].

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