Westfield Fire held its 2013 banquet on Saturday April 6th at the Pavillion at Crystal Lake (Falcon's Club). Chief John Lockwood and Commissioner Ross Andrew, Jr. kicked off the festivities and life member Ed Dypa offered the benediction. The banquet was particularly special this year with the recognition of Tom Flynn's 75 years of active service to the Department. Tom's 3 sons and their significant-others were on-hand to share the special evening with their father. Special thanks to DC Bill Balch and Lt. Geoff DeFrancesco who co-chaired this event!
Service to the Department:
Matthew Caffrey was given a plaque for his service as an officer.
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| Alysia Bonviso and FF Matt Caffrey |
Years of Service awards:
75 years: Tom Flynn
60 years: Robert Bumstead
30 years: Devin Darley, Robert Zieller
25 years: John Lockwood, Joe Passamano, Rick Comshaw
20 years: Daniel Barone
15 years: Jeff Daniels
10 years: Lisa DeJohn, Scott Hall, Kelly Brunell
5 years: Eric Lupone
Tom Flynn Day:
Mayor Dan Drew presented Tom Flynn with a proclamation from the City of Middletown announcing that Sunday May 7, 2013 would officially be "Tom Flynn Day" in the City in honor of Tom's 75 years of active service to the Westfield Fire Department. Additionally, Chief John Lockwood presented Tom with a plaque from the Department.
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| Mayor Drew, Chief Lockwood and Tom Flynn |
Challenge Coins:
This year was the first time Challenge Coins were presented. 15 current and former chiefs and 5 members were the first recipients of what will now be a yearly tradition. The 15 current and former chiefs represented 591 years of active service to the Westfield Fire Department! The receiving members were: Dana Andrew, Ross Andrew, Jr., Joe Augeri, Bill Balch, Robert Bumstead, Tom Flynn, Burt Hale, Sid Harmon, Art Higgins, Matt Holmes, Stephen Hughes, Fred Jones, Bill King, Luke Kennedy, John Lockwood, Jason Lubee, Joe Passamano, Jake Peterson, Robert Peterson, and Darrell Ponzio.
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| Challenge Coin Recipients |
Fire Chief's Award:
Also new this year, this award comes from the Office of the Chiefs to recognize a member who has provided significant assistance to the chiefs throughout the year. The inaugural recipient was Darrell Ponzio. Chief Lockwood recognized Darrell for his skill with the English language, however Darrell was left almost speechless when asked to say a few words after receiving the award!
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DC Bill Balch, Mayor Dan Drew, Fire Chief's Award
recipient Darrell Ponzio, Chief John Lockwood and
AC Stephen Hughes |
Firefighter of the Year:
Probably the most coveted of the Department's awards, this years recipient was James Figueroa. Fig has quickly become a fixture in the Department and has shown his passion for the fire service through the achievement of his fire and EMS certifications and through his admirable attendance record at calls and Department events. Congratulations Fig!
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AC Stephen Hughes, Chief John Lockwood,
FFOY recipent James Figueroa and
DC Bill Balch |