Growing up, David Grigorakos never had to look at comic book stars to recognize a hero because he had his father, who didn't have a bright-colored emblem across his chest but a Waltham Fire Department patch on his sleeve.
A former Marine and Waltham resident, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos first stepped onto Engine 1 on Jan. 6, 1980, as a firefighter, and rounded out his career as the department's trainer for the city's firefighters.
"At times is was scary," said David Grigorakos, 24. "You didn't know if your dad was coming back. He's my hero."
But after this weekend, David Grigorakos will no longer have to worry if his father will make it home safely after getting a call for a multiple-alarm fire in the middle night.
After exactly 28 years of service, Deputy Chief Mike Grigorakos retired yesterday after completing his last shift.
On Friday, city officials, firefighters and friends gathered at the Lexington Street headquarters to say goodbye to a man consistently described as dedicated and disciplined - two traits that are likely the lasting effects of his time as a Marine.
"Mike is probably the most dedicated man we've had. We probably could use 173 (firefighters) like him," said Fire Chief Richard Cardillo. "If he didn't know the answer to something, he'd go and get it for you. He's been an asset to this department."
For the past five years Grigorakos supervised the department's training program to provide ongoing professional development.
"He had to have everything perfect all the time for the safety of his men," said Dick Murphy, who had a business relationship with Grigorakos as a vendor for Industrial Professional Services, which provides the city with fire equipment.
Because of his Marine training, said Murphy, Grigorakos was "not willing to accept mediocrity" from others and himself.
Local 866 President Bob Marshall previously worked alongside Grigorakos.
"He was very dedicated to his job," Marshall said. "He was a leader, not a follower."
Since joining the ranks less than five years ago, firefighter Gary Delosa is still fairly new to the department. Delosa was one of the many firefighters trained by Grigorakos when he started.
"He's always been a perfectionist, so he takes it to heart that we should know our job when it comes to life safety. He was very adamant that we knew what we were doing," said Delosa, who was trained in first response procedures, firefighting techniques, search and rescue, terrorist events and hazardous materials by Grigorakos.
As the liaison between the Emergency Medical Services and the WFD, American Medical Response employee Carla Orta coordinated the in-house training with Grigorakos.
"This is probably one of the easiest departments I've ever had to work with," said Orta, who credits Grigorakos as the reason. "He never gives you a hard time. He is professional. He's courteous."
Amid the laughter filling the fire station's packed meeting room, Mayor Jeannette A. McCarthy arrived to present Grigorakos with a resolution to recognize his dedication to the city.
Although Grigorakos respectfully declined to comment about his time in Waltham, he briefly addressed his fellow firefighters at the beginning of the in-house party.
Even though his time at the station is over, "there's another ride out there waiting," Grigorakos said. "This ride is over."
Kerri Roche can be reached at kroche@cnc.com or 781-398-8009.
