Support Pours In As Fairfield First Selectman Faces Health Challenge

FAIRFIELD, CT — Shock and some sadness, but ultimately support, resolve and encouragement is how many of Fairfield's public officials are reacting to the news that First Selectman Bill Gerber has been diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Gerber made the announcement Sunday evening, and said that he designated Selectwoman Christine Vitale to serve as First Selectman while he temporarily steps away to deal with the health challenge.

"Bill is in good spirits while under medical care," Lisa Clair, Fairfield's Communications Director, told Patch on Monday. "Further testing is being done to develop a strategy for treatment."

Gerber and Vitale were elected in November 2023, at which time he defeated incumbent Brenda Kupchick, who now serves as a Selectwoman.

"Sunday evening, Selectwoman Vitale called to share sad news that First Selectman Bill Gerber is facing a health issue and that she would be serving as interim First Selectman," Kupchick told Patch. "I sincerely wish Bill and his family all the best as they navigate this difficult time and for a quick recovery. I hope all Fairfielders will join me in sending healing thoughts and prayers for the First Selectman and his family."

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Steve Sheinberg, Chair of the Fairfield Democratic Town Committee, wished Gerber the best and said Fairfield will continue to run smoothly in his absence.

"We are all shocked and saddened at the medical diagnosis for First Selectman Bill Gerber," Sheinberg told Patch. "Our thoughts and hearts are with Bill Gerber and his family at this difficult time. We wish him strength and healing as he focuses on his health. We have the utmost confidence in Acting First Selectman Christine Vitale, whose experience, dedication, and steady leadership will ensure that his agenda continues to move forward and Fairfield remains in good hands.”

Laura Devlin, a former state representative who now Chairs the Fairfield Republican Town Committee, also offered Gerber similar sentiments of encouragement.

"The Fairfield Republican Town Committee extends our sincere thoughts and prayers to Fairfield First Selectman Bill Gerber and his family during this difficult time," Devlin said. "We wish him strength, healing, and a full recovery."

The members of Fairfield's state General Assembly delegation — Representatives Sarah Keitt, Jennifer Leeper and Cristin McCarthy Vahey, and state Senator Tony Hwang — said in a joint statement that the news of Gerber's diagnosis "has shaken all of us in Fairfield."

"Our hearts go out to him, his wife, Jessica, and the entire Gerber family," the four said. "We join our prayers and good wishes for the First Selectman's full recovery with those of residents, colleagues, and leaders from around the state."

They added, "As Selectman Christine Vitale assumes the role of acting First Selectman, we have every confidence in her leadership. Her valuable experience through many years of service to our community, strong and steady leadership, and collaborative approach will allow Selectman Vitale to adeptly guide our community in the days ahead. We will continue to collaborate with the First Selectman's office and provide support as we navigate this trying time together as a community."

Prior to the joint statement, Hwang had also offered his own message of support.

"I was deeply saddened to learn of First Selectman Bill Gerber’s recent health diagnosis," Hwang said. "While we may differ politically, moments like these transcend partisanship and remind us of what truly matters - health, compassion, and community.

"I extend my heartfelt best wishes to Bill for a full and healthy recovery. My thoughts and prayers are with him, his wife Jessica, his children and family, and all those who pray and support him during this challenging time.

"In the spirit of service and continuity, I commend Selectman Christine Vitale for stepping forward to serve as Acting First Selectman, in accordance with our current Town Charter. Christine’s years of service on the Board of Education, Board of Selectmen, and her leadership on public health and community initiatives have prepared her well to lead with steadiness, experience, and care.

"This is a poignant reminder that even amid emotionally charged and sometimes vitriolic political climates, we are all neighbors. Kindness, decency, and support for one another define who we are as a community.

"I offer my full support to Acting First Selectman Vitale as she takes on this responsibility, and I join the people of Fairfield in sending strength and healing to the Gerber family."