Mystic — The Mystic Irish Parade committee announced Thursday that Mystic fire Chief Frank "Fritz" Hilbert has been named the grand marshal for the 16th annual parade on March 24.

Hilbert has been a firefighter for 48 years and served as the Mystic fire chief for the past 30. He is on the executive board of the Connecticut State Firefighters Association and is the Commissioner of Fire Prevention and Control for the Connecticut Fire Academy.

“Fire Chief Frank Hilbert has dedicated his life to protecting our community,” Neil Ryan, vice president of the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation, said in announcing Hilbert as the grand marshal. “The Mystic Parade is excited to feature someone who is an essential supporter of the community as this year’s grand marshal.”

“The Mystic Irish Parade is one of the biggest events Mystic has to offer, and I am excited to be participating as grand marshal,” Hilbert added. “It’s a great opportunity to be a part of one of the events that make our community such a great place to live in.”

The parade begins at Mystic Seaport Museum at 1 p.m. and features floats and traditional Irish music. Information about the parade is at bit.ly/MyIrParade.