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Francis Craig Ervin, of Fairfield, served as a corporal in the U.S. Marines during the Vietnam War.
A native of Indiana, he moved to Fairfield after the war and spent 27 years working for the town’s police department.
He later worked with the Department of Public Safety at Fairfield University, and also supported the Special Olympics of Connecticut.
Ervin, his close friend and retired Fairfield Police Chief Dave Peck, and current Fairfield Police Chief Gary MacNamara joined other local and state officials for a celebration Thursday, April 30, at the South Benson Marina.
State Sen. Tony Hwang (R-Fairfield), Rep. Laura Devlin (R-Fairfield), Rep. Brenda Kupchick (R-Fairfield), and Rep. Cristin McCarthy Vahey (R-Fairfield), formally presented Ervin with his award.
Peck spearheaded the idea to surprise Ervin with the long overdue “thank you,” according to a press release.
"Over the past 36 years I have come to learn how much Craig's Vietnam combat experience has defined his life. Craig has shared stories with me and we have visited museums and memorials together that have made me really appreciate what our Vietnam veterans had to endure during the Vietnam war and how unappreciated they were when they returned home,” Peck said.
“As someone who never served in the military, I have the utmost respect for Craig and all of our service men and women who served and continue to serve our country. I have had the honor and pleasure of working with many military veterans over the years but to recognize one of my best friends is really special.
“It was so nice of Sen. Hwang and the rest of the Fairfield legislative delegation to do this for Craig knowing how much it will mean to him.”
Ervin was surprised by the unexpected honor, and said in a press release there are many others who equally deserve recognition for their service.
“This means a lot,” Ervin said.
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