Philip Dye, the son of Johnny O. Dye and Barbara Ann Dillon Dye, has been named a member of the Bridgeport High School Alumni and Friends Hall of Fame Class of 2023. Phil, who also has a brother Steve Dye, is a 1972 graduate of Bridgeport High School. Phil’s mother and brother are both graduates of BHS, as well as his special cousins, Jack and Mark Cole.

 

His involvement in the community began when he worked at the Pure Foods Store after graduating from BHS. He began working there as a meat cutter when the store was located on East Main Street and continued working there when it made its move to Water Street. Like many involved with the store, Dye became a community staple.

 

Phil became most known during his decades of work as a member of the Bridgeport Volunteer Fire Department at first and then as a member of the Full-time City of Bridgeport Fire Department. It was during that time that he became known as “Fireman Phil” and “Phil Dye the Fire Guy” by the community, in particular the youth of the community. Phil frequently led tours of the firehouse to local school children, scout groups, and other youth. He represented the department and the city in excellent fashion. Phil’s employment as a Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) lasted from 1996 until 2014 when he retired.

 

Today, he is still employed by the City of Bridgeport and still working with children. Phil is the school crossing guard at Simpson Elementary School. You can also find Phil working at Ford Funeral Home on Main Street.

 

Phil is also a lifelong member of Bridgeport United Methodist Church. His mother was born in her home on East Philadelphia Avenue and was extremely proud to have been born in the City of Bridgeport.