https://southwindsorfire.org/index.php/about-us/archives/98-home-page/367-2022-swfd-annual-awards#sigProIdb9413199b4
Recently, the South Windsor Fire Department held its Annual Banquet at Maneeley’s Banquet Facility. Over 125 attended as we celebrated accomplishments and presented a few significant awards. Also attending were Town Dignitaries, The Samsel Family, Award Recipients, 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 EXCELLENCE IN EXPLORING AWARD awarded to KEVIN BRASS. 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 DOUG A. WARREN SPIRIT AWARD was presented to Firefighter SCOTT MUMLEY. 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. Presenting the award is Life Member, Brian Warren – son of Doug Warren.
Our Banquet also serves as the time where the Social Officers start their new terms. Serving as PRESIDENT is Company Three Lieutenant TIA CORTESE. Congratulations Tia!
We also honor our members for their length of service with five-year increment awards.
FIVE (5) YEARS -
SARAH COONEY
TEN (10) YEARS –
ANDREW DEPTULA
TIMOTHY HANKARD
FIFTEEN (15) YEARS –
JEFF FUTTNER
BRAD McDONALD
TWENTY (20) YEARS –
THOMAS PEDERZOLI
THIRTY (30) YEARS -
KEITH REYNOLDS
THIRTY-FIVE (35) YEARS –
BRIAN PECK – Assistant Chief
CARLO PIACENTINI - Captain
FORTY (40) YEARS -
CRAIG PIACENTINI
This year, we also celebrated a non-fire department, special Life Saving event in which we recognized the efforts of all involved. A SWFD member had suffered a cardiac event and was saved by the team of First Responders:
From South Windsor Public Works:
- MICHAEL SAMSEL
- JAKE BURNHAM
- SEAN RICHARDS
From South Windsor 9-1-1:
- PATRICK KELLEY
- RACHEL BURNHAM
From South Windsor Police:
- JOSEPH FUTTNER
- JACOB TRUEBIG
- RICHARD DABROWSKI
- KYLE HIGGINS
- ISAIH SPAIN
- BRIAN KELLEY
From Ambulance Service of Manchester:
- KAYLA PORTER
- DANIELLE CHOWANIEC
- STEPHANIE BOUTOT
- RACQUEL VAUGHN
The FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR was awarded to MICHAEL SAMSEL. All the Company Captains submit nominations and chose from active Firefighters within their Companies.
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.
All Photos by SWFD photographer Dennis Brunelle.
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.
