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Remarkable Ability and Vision

Having known Fred Dudek for more than 40 years, I am certain he will make an excellent first selectman and continue to build on his record of service to the Town of Killingworth.

Our paths crossed in 1977 when I joined the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Department and met lifelong friends like Fred as we made memories at the firehouse while serving the town and its people. Moving through the ranks as one of the greatest officers the fire company has ever seen, Fred always sought new ways to better any situation and he possesses an impressive résumé of service. He is a unique person of remarkable ability and vision and a man of action. A formidable adversary guided only by what he sees as the right thing to do, he’s not influenced by anything except fact matched up with common sense.

His choice to seek election as first selectman is supported by many accomplishments. In the mid-’80s, he served as president of Valley Shore Emergency Communications Regional 9-1-1 center now serving 11 towns. During his tenure as president, the system added member towns and navigated through some difficult times. His remarkable business sense, ability to engage in intense debate, focus on issues, find solutions, and build productive consensus always resulted in positive outcomes.

A few years ago we saw Fred elected as president of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association and most recently as the program manager for Connecticut Volunteer Workforce Solutions, dealing with the critical issue of recruiting volunteers in today’s busy world.

Through my exposure to countless people in public service, there are few individuals who compare to Fred. I know he will respect and honor Killingworth’s past, manage the present day issues we face, and carefully guide us toward a promising future.

Richard M. Darin

Killingworth