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Photo credit: Christine Cooney

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On Aug 11, FF Sarah Cooney (center) receives her yellow helmet

L to R:  Lieutenant Tia Cortese, FF Sarah Cooney,  Captain Carlo Piacentini

L to R:  FF Sarah Cooney with her father Chief Kevin Cooney

Due to storm Isaias the Department meeting was cancelled last week.

Tonight, following the weekly training drill, Company Three Officers (Captain Carlo Piacentini and Lieutenant Tia Cortese) present probationary Firefighter Sarah Cooney her “yellow” helmet.

The “yellow” helmet indicates a fully certified/interior Firefighter and no longer probationary. Congrats Sarah!
SWFD Family traditions continue as Captain Carlo Piacentini is part of a 4th Generation family and Firefighter Sarah Cooney is part of a 3rd Generation family as her Dad, Chief Kevin Cooney attended.

Yellow helmets are presented after completion of mandatory Firefighter I training.  Probationary firefighters are issued a black helmet which signifies non-interior qualification.  Upon completion of Firefighter I, they receive their

 During a time when social distancing, self-quarantining, and staying healthy at all costs seems the most important thing on the table, even organizations like ours need to go through serious changes. Being 100% volunteer, the SWFD relies on members who have full-time jobs outside of the Fire Department.Many also being essential workers, the Department needs to implement everything it can to ensure the town is protected, but also ensure its members ...can survive in their normal lives.

On Jan 7, FF Ben Couillard (center) receives his yellow helmet

L to R:  Lt. Mike Samsel, Lt. Mike Giroux, FF Ben Couillard,  Ben's father FF Jim Couillard (retired), Capt. Matt Falletti 

L to R:  FF Ben Couillard receives his yellow helmet from his father FF Jim Couillard (retired) 

On Jan 28, FF Noah Fine receives his yellow helmet

L to R:   Deputy Chief Scott Fine presents the yellow helmet to his son FF Noah Fine 

L to R:   Deputy Chief Scott Fine, his son FF Noah Fine, and Capt. Carlo Piacentini

On Jan 28, FF Allison Sheldon receives her yellow helmet

L to R:   FF Allison Sheldon receives her yellow helmet from Capt. Carlo Piacentini

Yellow helmets are presented after completion of mandatory Firefighter I training.  Probationary firefighters are issued a black helmet which signifies non-interior qualification.  Upon completion of Firefighter I, they receive their yellow helmet, which designates an interior firefighter.  Firefighter I training involves several months of classroom and hands on

Join us on National Wreaths Across America Day

December 14, 2019 at noon at Veterans Memorial Park in South Windsor

Each December on National Wreaths Across America Day, our mission to Remember, Honor and Teach is carried out by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies at Arlington National Cemetery, as well as over 1,200 additional locations in all 50 U.S. states, at sea, and abroad.

Click here to see last year's photos.

The following officers are being recognized on their recent promotions:
CAPTAIN JARED PELLETIER
CAPTAIN MATTHEW FALLETTI
DEPUTY CHIEF DEBRA BURCH
LIEUTENANT MICHAEL SAMSEL
LIEUTENANT TIA CORTESE

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50 years of a Fire Exploring program generates a lot of amazing people. Nearly 100 past and current Explorers, Officers, and Advisors gathered today to share stories, see old friends, make new friends, and celebrate a great program.

Having great leaders/mentors such as Jack Bond, George Cox, Phil Crombie, Jr., and many others attend means the world to those of us that you have influenced over the years - THANK YOU!

Thanks to the Explorer Leadership for all their efforts in putting this event together!
- Scott Fine, Thomas Bengston, Tia Cortese, Keith Reynolds, Robin Packi Pendleton, and the Explorer Officers.

At the Board of Fire Commission meeting on August 8th, the Board approved the promotion and appointment of three members. I’m pleased to announce the following - effective September 1, 2019:
- Captain DEBRA BURCH is promoted to the rank of DEPUTY CHIEF. (Car 14)
- Lieutenant JARED PELLETIER is appointed to the rank of CAPTAIN. (Car 29)
- Lieutenant MATTHEW FALLETTI is appointed to the rank of CAPTAIN. (Car 21)

Deputy Chief Burch will be assigned to the Staff and serve as the Department’s EMS Officer, Health and Safety Officer as well as the Infectious Disease Control Officer. The Health and Safety role will be expanded to include Physicals and Incident Safety.

Captain Pelletier will be assigned to the Staff in the Training Division. His duties will be expanded under the direction of Deputy Chief Papp.

Captain Falletti will be assigned to Station 1/Tower 1. He will serve as the Company Captain.

As they are transitioning to their new

At the recent Board of Fire Commission meeting, the Board approved the promotion and appointment of two members. I’m pleased to announce the following - effective October 1, 2019:
- Firefighter TIA CORTESE is promoted to the rank of LIEUTENANT (Car 33).
- Firefighter MICHAEL SAMSEL is promoted to the rank of LIEUTENANT (Car 32).

Lieutenant Cortese will be assigned to Station 3 as a Company Officer as well continuing to assist our Explorer Program as an Advisor.

Lieutenant SAMSEL will be assigned to Station 1 as a Company Officer, position that his Grandfather, Lt. John Samsel once held.

As they are transitioning to their new roles, other candidates remain on the promotional list and are eligible for future assignments.

Please share in our Congratulations to Tia and Mike!
Kevin E. Cooney, Chief
South Windsor Fire Dept