Two Massachusetts fire departments are mourning the loss of former Fire Chief Henry Michalski, who died from cancer on Friday.
Michalski, 72, served as a member of the Middleton Fire Department and rose through the ranks before being appointed chief in April 1993. He served as fire chief there until 2000, when he became chief of the Ipswich Fire Department, serving until his retirement in 2004.
Michalski served in the Air Force as a member of the 633rd Combat Support Group in Vietnam. He was decorated with various honors for his service, including the Airman’s Medal for his bravery and service as an airborne firefighter.
“We thank Chief Michalski for his years of service, from his time serving in the Air Force to his four decades as a firefighter in Ipswich and Middleton,” Ipswich Fire Chief Andy Theriault said in a statement. “We send our deepest condolences to his family.”
