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Date: 1/31/2023
CHICOPEE – The Chicopee Fire Department announced the death of former Fire Chief Stephen Burkott on Jan. 14. Burkott was a member of the department for 42 years before retiring in 2015.
The Chicopee Fire Department released a statement that read “[Fire] Chief [Daniel] Stamborski and the men and women of the Chicopee Fire Department offer their condolences to his family and friends.”
Burkott served in several roles during his time with the Chicopee Fire Department. He was appointed as a provisional firefighter in 1974 before becoming a permanent firefighter in 1976.
Burkott eventually worked his way up to become a lieutenant at the Fire Department starting in 1986. After five years in that role, he was appointed as a captain in 1991.
Many remember Burkott for his role as the fire prevention officer from 1992 to 2002. During the Jan. 18 School Committee meeting, Ward 6 Samuel Shumsky reflected on the impact Burkott had with his fire training efforts at Chicopee Public Schools.
“He was the fire safety officer for the school for many years. I want to give my condolences to him and his family,” said Shumsky.
Burkott became the fire chief for Chicopee in 2002 and served in that role until his retirement.
The City Council opened their Jan. 17 meeting by offering a moment of silence in honor of Burkott. Mayor John Vieau’s Chief of Staff Michael Pise shared reflections on behalf of the mayor on Burkott’s death.
“He valiantly served for 42 years as a dedicated servant to the city of Chicopee,” said Pise in reading a statement from Vieau.
Ward 8 School Committee member Douglas Girouard expressed his condolences to Burkott and his family.
“Stephen was a great chief for many years, and he’s certainly going to be missed. He did a lot for the city and for the schools for public safety,” said Girouard during the committee’s Jan. 18 meeting.
Polish National Credit Union (PNCU) President James Kelly considered Burkott to be a “great one.” Alongside his duties at the Chicopee Fire Department, Burkott also served as the board chairman for the PNCU.
“We lost a great one. He was the PNCU board chairman who helped the community in so many ways. He never sought the limelight. Steve just wanted to help people. He will be missed by his professional family at PNCU,” said Kelly via Facebook.