MEDIA RELEASE: On Tuesday, February 5th, 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 and was kicked off with the Presentation of the Colors by the SWFD Honor Guard.
The FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR was awarded to BRYAN HOLMES. All the Company Captains submit nominations and chose from active Firefighters within their Companies. 
The PRESIDENTS AWARD was awarded to DOROTHY ‘DOT’ McDONALD. This award recipient is selected by the President of Social side of our organization and is awarded to a member who exemplifies the Social aspect of the Fire Service. The recipient is selected by out-going President, Keith Reynolds.
The EXCELLENCE IN EXPLORING AWARD was presented to DAVID HARPER. 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. This year, 2019, is the 50th Anniversary of the Explorer Post. The group is also known as Company 5 within the Department. The recipient is selected from the adult advisors.
The DOUG A. WARREN MEMORIAL SPIRIT AWARD was presented to DEPUTY CHIEF THOMAS BENGTSON. The award is named after long time member Doug Warren. Doug was the epiphany 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. 
Our Banquet also serves as the time where the Social Officers start their new terms. Serving as PRESIDENT from Company Three is DAVID ARILDSEN, Congratulations Dave!
We also honor our members for their length of service with five year increment awards.
FIVE (5) YEARS -
Christian Arildsen, Shaun Botha, Correy Piacentini, Megan Soares, Dylan Woods
TEN (10) YEARS –
Robert Baral, Shaun Brault, Lionel Harris, James (Jim) Kulas, Jeremiah Pendleton, JT Samsel
FIFTEEN (15) YEARS –
Chaplain – Rev. Doug Rowse
Bryan Holmes
TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS –
Robin (Packi) Pendleton
THIRTY-FIVE (35) YEARS –
David Shea with Members of Company 2
Captain Jay Samsel
Chief of Police, Scott Custer presented the Department a gift of an Axe Plaque in appreciation of the Department’s relationship with the Police as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary.
Our Guest Speaker was Hartford Fire Chief Reginald Freeman who offered comments on Culture Change in the Fire Service.
Slightly overdue, we were able to present Lt. Kathy Scanlon her retirement Plaque, as he served the Department for over 30 years. The group she led at the time of retirement, the Fire and Life Safety Division presented her a gift for all she did for that Division. Congrats Kathy and Thank You!
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.
https://southwindsorfire.org/index.php/about-us/archives/98-home-page/228-2019-annual-awards#sigProId8485b97269
(Photo credit: Dennis Brunelle)
