SAUGUS — The Saugus Fire Department announced the death of retired Chief George W. Parrott III Thursday.
Parrot died at 97 Dec. 20 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital. He was chief from 1983-1991.
“Chief Parrott served on the SFD for 37 years, eight of which as the Chief of Department. Chief Parrott was also the former President of the Massachusetts Fire Chiefs Association and the Essex County Fire Chiefs Association,” the department wrote on Facebook. “Chief Parrot could still be found coming by the firehouse for coffee with the men on Group 1 days.”
At the time of his death, Parrott was the oldest living fire chief in Massachusetts, according to the department.
During his service, Parrott was a firefighter, lieutenant, and captain before rising to the rank of chief. He was also a Navy Veteran of World War II, having served on the USS North Carolina, USS Waller, and USS Dyson.
Parrott was married to his late wife Elsie for 67 years and had four children: George, Cheryl, Donna, and Jayne.
Instead of flowers, contributions in Chief Parrott’s memory can be made to the Saugus Firefighters Relief Association, located at 27 Hamilton St., Saugus, MA 01906.
