Community fondly remembers former officer

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Richard D. Fiske

PROSPECT — A veteran police officer is being remembered as a devoted husband, caring father and an appreciated servant to his community.

Richard Fiske died unexpectedly on Jan. 14. He was 65.

“He worked day and night for his family tirelessly while still being there for us in times of trouble and triumph,” said Patricia Williamson, Fiske’s daughter.

Fiske served in the Connecticut Department of Correction for 21 years, retiring in 1997.

At the time of his death, he was an active member of the Prospect police force, having served the community for 44 years. Feb. 12 would have marked his 45th year.

Fiske’s wife Margaret said he especially enjoyed his years as a Prospect DARE officer and treasured his time in the classroom sharing his wisdom with the students.

“Young officers would often come to Prospect to learn from Richard,” she said. “As an officer he wasn’t strict nor was he a pushover but rather had a great way of communicating and understanding people in the community.”

Williamson recalled a time when her father spoke to a boy she grew up with who was suicidal.

“My dad sat and talked with him and changed this boy’s life,” Williamson said.

Prospect Mayor Robert Chatfield spoke highly of Fiske.

“Richie was a stickler for detail. He was almost like a beat cop because he knew everybody,” Chatfield said. “He will be greatly missed.”

Fiske, who became an officer a few years before Chatfield was first elected as mayor, worked the overnight shift. Fiske and Chatfield would meet each day as Fiske was coming to the end of his shift and Chatfield was beginning his day.

“He would meet me at Dunkin’ Donuts every morning at 5 and brief me about what happened on the night shift,” Chatfield said.

The flags around town were lowered to half-staff after Fiske died, Chatfield said.

Fiske leaves behind two daughters, a son and six grandchildren.

Fiske was born in Waterbury, attended Prospect schools and graduated from Wilby High School.

He also attended Mattatuck Community College, where he studied criminal justice.

Margaret Fiske said her husband enjoyed boating and camping. She said she will especially miss their trips to Rhode Island, taking long rides and their long walks on the beach.

The Prospect Fire Department led a procession to the cemetery where Fiske was buried Jan. 21.

“I miss him,” his wife said. “He was my rock, he made my life better. He would have never left if he didn’t have to.”

Luke Marshall contributed to this article.