Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Members Receive Awards

The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company has honored three of its members for their contributions. Engineer John Solury, Firetown station, received the Chief's Award, given by Chief James Baldis. He selected Solury for his 33 years of service and “I am always here to help” attitude. He has served as an engineer longer than any other member, beginning on Engine 13 and completing his service on Engine 7, its replacement. Engineer Joseph Barrett received the Carl Banks Engineer's Award for his outstanding performance in the maintenance of Rescue 15. 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.” Barrett joined the fire company in 1999 and is assigned to the Tariffville station. 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 Firefighter Rick Callahan of Firetown station. Since joining the fire company in 2011, Callahan has earned certification as Firefighter I and Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operational levels. He recently became the engineer on Engine 3. Lea Hutchinson was the first chief of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company, serving in that capacity for over 30 years.