On Friday, January 5, 2007,  more than 55 members of the DC Fire Department  gathered at Phillips Seafood Restaurant in S.W. to wish Assistant Fire Chief of Operations Doug Smith and Assistant Fire Chief of Services Bill FitzGerald a long and happy retirement. Combined, Doug and Bill gave the citizens of the District of Columbia over 60 years of dedicated service.

Bill continued a family tradition serving in the DCFD following his father who served during the 50's-60's and 70's. Bill's two sons are now following in his footsteps as they begin their careers with the DCFD.