GREENWICH, CT — A longtime firefighter and 9/11 first responder from Greenwich has claimed a $500,000 lottery prize, according to the Connecticut Lottery.
Patrick Gordiski, recently retired from the Greenwich Fire Department after five decades of service, won the top prize from the “$500,000 CA$HWORD” scratch-off game.
CT Lottery officials confirmed that Gordiski and his wife purchased the winning ticket at Byram Smoke Shop on Mill Street in Greenwich.
CT Lottery stated that the couple had been planning a long-awaited vacation and decided to buy a few scratch-offs for entertainment. One of those tickets turned out to be the jackpot.
Gordiski is a familiar face to lottery clerks, being a frequent player. His public service career included responding to the September 11 attacks in New York City, where he assisted for several days at Ground Zero.
CT Lottery also noted that Gordiski’s legacy of service continues through his son, who is an active firefighter with the Greenwich Fire Department.
No additional plans for the winnings have been made public.
