Crime & Safety

Volunteer Firefighters Recognized for Service

Three firefighters honored for contributions to the department

 

Submitted Release

The has honored three of its members for their contributions.  Lieutenant Ken Boudreau, Main station, received the Chief's Award, given by Chief James Baldis.  He selected Boudreau because he is “a person who lives every day in a manner that asks the question ‘What can I learn today or what did I learn today that I can apply to what I do as a firefighter and leader in the firehouse?’” 

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            Last fall Boudreau participated in the 2nd Annual Nashville 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb which benefitted the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.  The stair climb was limited to the first 343 firefighters to register.  The participants had to climb 110 stories in firefighting gear.  Boudreau joined the fire company in 1999 after many years of service in the Bloomfield. 

            Lieutenant Ryan Esthus received the Carl Banks Engineer's Award for his outstanding performance in the maintenance of both engines and ladders in Simsbury.  To ensure that the apparatus is ready to respond to a fire or emergency, the engineer is responsible for a weekly inspection of the apparatus and for keeping the equipment ready for immediate use.  In giving the award, Deputy Chief Michael Jepeal said, “It takes hours every week to keep the apparatus ready to respond.”  Esthus joined the fire company in 2005 and is assigned to the Weatogue station. 

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The award is named in honor of Assistant Chief Carl Banks who was the chief mechanic for the Simsbury apparatus for many years.  He helped maintain, repair and even build fire trucks.  The Carl Banks award is given annually to an engineer for outstanding performance. 

            The Lea Hutchinson Service Award for initiative and capability in the fire service went to Engineer Chris Burkett of West Simsbury station.  Since joining the fire company in 2008, Burkett has received certification to the level of Firefighter II and Haz-Mat Operational.  The award is given by Chief of Training Randall Chesanek, who selected Burkett because “in 2011 alone, he received certification as an Emergency Medical Responder, Rescue Technical Core, Pump Operator, and Emergency Medical Technician.”  Burkett is engineer on Engine 5.

            Lea Hutchinson was the first chief of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company, serving in that capacity for over 30 years.


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