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12/01/2015 11:30 AMAfter a five-year battle with cancer, former Clinton Fire Chief and Fire Marshal Frank Schrempp passed away on Nov. 19. Brothers of Frank, a group of friends, fellow firefighters, and first responders from various area fire departments, are organizing a benefit dinner to support his family.
The dinner will take place on Saturday, Dec. 19, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Clark Memorial (Firemen’s) Field, on Elm Street in Old Saybrook, and will include pasta, meatballs, dessert, and a raffle. All proceeds directly benefit Schrempp’s family.
Schrempp began his career as a Clinton firefighter in 1977, when he joined as a junior volunteer at age 15. Working his way through the ranks, he became the youngest fire chief in Connecticut at age 31 and was appointed fire marshal in 2007.
“Frank was very well-known in the community,” said his wife, Sandra Schrempp. “He had been a member of the Fire Department for 37 years.”
In 2010, he was diagnosed with cancer. For Sandra Schrempp, caring for a terminally ill husband had become a full-time job—leaving little money for household and medical expenses.
That’s where Brothers of Frank stepped in.
“With no current income for the family, now more than ever we need the community’s help to give Frank what he wanted most in life: peace in knowing that his family would be cared for when he was no longer there,” said Devin Scanlon, a member of the group who is helping organize the benefit dinner. “Past Chief Frank Schrempp was a dedicated firefighter, fire officer, fire chief, and fire marshal for the town of Clinton. He was an incredible mentor, devoted husband, loving father, and loyal friend to many. As you can imagine, his family is in need of anything and everything—money for bills, medical costs, heating oil, groceries, a hot homemade meal, and so much more.”
Frank and Sandra Schrempp raised nine children together. The youngest are now teens.
“All during his illness, they helped comfort and care for their father,” Sandra Schrempp said. “They kept their grades up and never missed a day of school.”
Two of the Schrempps’ children are junior firefighters, and the oldest has been a member of the fire department for 14 years.
Plans for the pasta dinner were well underway before Schrempp passed away; he was to be the guest of honor.
“After decades of having our backs, Frank needs our support,” read one of the flyer announcing the event. “The man who has selflessly saved many a life is now fighting for his own.”
The outpouring of support has continued in the days since his passing.
“I’m in complete awe at how many people have reached out,” said Schrempp.
A funeral service is being planned for after Thanksgiving.
For years, the Schrempp family has operated a Christmas tree farm on Cow Hill Road in Clinton, which opens the day after Thanksgiving. Longtime customers have asked whether Schrempp’s Tree Farm will be open this season.
“We definitely will,” Schrempp said. “This is a family tradition, and we will continue. The community’s traditions are important to us, so we’ll see everyone there.”
Tickets for the Frank Schrempp benefit dinner are $10 and may be purchased at the following Clinton locations: Alberino’s Salon and Barber Shop, Clinton Police Department, Clinton Transfer Station, Raging Fury Speed Shop, Saldamarco’s, and Steward’s Ace Hardware. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Anyone wishing to help the Schrempps by making a monetary donation may do so at any Liberty Bank branch. Checks should be made payable to Brothers of Frank, and cash deposits are welcome, too; let the teller know that your gift is for Brothers of Frank.
For additional information about the pasta dinner and other ways to help, call Devin Scanlon at 203-848-4720 or visit www.facebook.com/brothersoffrank.