On February 6, 2018, the South Windsor Fire Department held its Annual Banquet at Maneeley’s Banquet Facility. Over 75 active members attended as well many Life Members as we celebrated accomplishments and presented a few significant awards. Also attending were Town Dignitaries, the Town Council and Fire Chiefs from our neighboring Fire Departments. In keeping tradition, the main aspect of the event is to honor our members and present the annual awards.
The FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR was awarded to TOM CAREY. All the Company Captains submit nominations and chose from active Firefighters within their Companies. Presented by Company Three Captain Deb Burch.
(Photo) Company Captains with FF of the Year Tom Carey
The EXCELLENCE IN EXPLORING AWARD was presented to RYAN SEDER. This award is presented to an Explorer who goes above and beyond and supports the programs in many aspects. Our Explorer Program is the oldest Fire Exploring Program in CT and is associated with the Boy Scouts of America – Explorer Post 838. The group is also known as Company 5 within the Department. The recipient is selected from the adult advisors and presented by Lead Advisor, Dan Connelly.(Photo) Deputy Chief Tom Bengtson, Explorer Ryan Seder and Lead Advisor Dan Connolly
The DOUG A. WARREN MEMORIAL SPIRIT AWARD was presented to TIA CORTESE. The award is named after long time member Doug Warren. Doug was the epitome of what it is to be a volunteer Firefighter. The dedication, heart, talent, time and overall love for the fire service was shown in everything he did – day in and day out. All with the support of his family. Assisting with the presentation is Terry Warren, widow of Doug Warren
(Photo) Terry Warren with Tia Cortese
In addition in the awards, one of the highlights was having Chief KEVIN QUINN as our Guest Speaker. He currently serves as Chairman of the National Volunteer Fire Council. He recently retired as a Deputy Chief of the Union Fire District in South Kingstown, RI. Kevin is a past-President of the Rhode Island State Firemen’s League, Rhode Island State Advocate of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation’s Everyone Goes Home-Courage to Be Safe Program, member of the Foundation’s Rhode Island Local Assistance State Team, member of the Hope
Valley HazMat team, and member of numerous federal, state, and local exercise design management teams. He served on the NVFC Board of Directors for over 30 years and now continues as Director and Chairman. Kevin holds a Master of Science in Counseling and Educational Psychology and a Master of Science in Education.
(Photo) Chief Kevin Quinn, Chairman, NVFC
The PRESIDENTS AWARD was awarded to NICHOLAS VALENTI. This award recipient is selected by the President of Social side of our organization and is awarded to a member who exemplifies the Brotherhood and Social aspect of the Fire Service. The recipient is selected by out-going President, James Kulas.
Our Banquet also serves as the time where the Social Officers start their new terms. Serving as PRESIDENT from Company Two is KEITH REYNOLDS, Congratulations Keith!
We also honor our members for their length of service with five year increment awards.
FIVE (5) YEARS - ANTHONY ASMAR, JOSEPH GIONFRIDDO, DANIEL DZEN, NICHOLAS VALENTI, TYLER WOODS,
DENNIS BRUNELLE
TEN (10) YEARS – THOMAS DILLON, MICHAEL WILLIAMS, RYAN JESKI, JAMES COUILLARD, BRAD McDONALD,
PAUL KULIKOWSKI
FIFTEEN (15) YEARS – STEVE NODLAND, SR.
TWENTY (20) YEARS – ANDREW HILDEBRAND
TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS – KEVIN BUSHEY, MATTHEW KNIPPLE –(former Lt.), JOHN ZAHNER- Commissioner (former Lt.)
THIRTY (30) YEARS - MICHAEL GIROUX – Lieutenant
THIRTY-FIVE (35) YEARS – JAY MURTHA, JERRY FERGUSON, KEVIN COONEY-Chief
(Photo) Kevin Cooney and Jay Murtha
Lastly, we Thank our Families for their support in allowing all of us to do what we do. Without the support of our families – none of this is possible.
Questions, clarification and for contact information of our award winners, please contact Chief Kevin E. Cooney (860) 982-0400 / This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
