Roger Merrill Retires After 52 Years of Service

On March 28, 2010, a reception was held to honor Firefighter Roger Merrill for his 52 years of service to the Department.  Roger joined the Department in 1958 at age 26, and was assigned to Company 1.  During his 52 years with the Department Roger learned to operate many pieces of apparatus, including the Department's ladder truck.  Roger was a vital member of Company 1's daytime response crew.  He was named Firefighter of the Year in 1970 and was recently voted a Life Member of the Department.  Congratulations, Roger, and thank you for your dedicated service to the Department and the Town of South Windsor.

Chief Crombie Announces Officer Promotions and Assignments

The Board of Fire Commissioners recently approved Chief Crombie's recommended promotion of four officers.  Lieutenant Brian Peck was promoted to Deputy Chief.  In his new role Deputy Chief Peck will continue his work with the Department's communications systems and will be responsible for the Department's finances and updating the Department's operating procedures.  Firefighter John Zahner was promoted to lieutenant and assigned to Company 6.  Firefighter Tim Papp was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the Training Division.  Firefighter Carlo Piacentini was also promoted to lieutenant.  Chief Crombie also announced new officer assignments.  Lieutenant Scott Fine moved from Company 5 to Company 3, where he will be responsible for Engine 3.  Lieutenant Mike Giroux moved from Company 3 to Company 1 and has been assigned to Engine 4.

Robin Pendelton Named 2009 Firefighter of the Year

During the Department's Annual Dinner, held on February 2, 2010, the 2009 Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to Firefighter Robin "Packi" Pendelton.  Packi has been an active member of Company 1 for the past 16 years and also serves as a valued member of the Department's Rescue Squad.  Packi is also a member of the Connecticut Statewide Honor Guard and the Department's Honor Guard.  He has coordinated many of the Department's torchlight parades and assists with the Safety House during fire prevention programs at the

elementary schools.  Each year the Firefighter of the Year is selected by a unanimous decision of the company officers.

Doug A. Warren Spirit Award Presented to Firefighter Dave Shea, Jr.

During the Annual Dinner Captain Tom Bengtson presented the Doug A. Warren Spirit Award to Firefighter Dave Shea, Jr.  The award, named for the late Doug Warren, is presented to a person in the Department who brings the true meaning of community, camaraderie and pride to the Department and the Town of South Windsor.  For many years Dave has collected money during the Christmas holiday season and purchased gifts for a family in South Windsor who is in need.  Dave is a senior member of Company 2 and the Department's Rescue Squad.

Chief (Ret.) William Lanning Receives 2009 President's Award

Also during the Annual Dinner outgoing President Steve Nodland presented the 2009 President's Award to Chief William Lanning for his many years of dedicated service to the Department.  Chief Lanning joined the Department in 1962 and has served the Department in several roles over the past 47 years, including Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief for 19 years, Assistant Chief and Chief for 15 years.  Chief Lanning also served as a fire marshal for the Town of South Windsor for 39 years.

Tom Bengtson Promoted to Captain

Chief Crombie announced the promotion of Lieutenant Tom Bengtson to Captain.  In his new role, Tom will coordinate the Department's apparatus and equipment testing programs, ensuring that the Department's apparatus and equipment is fit for use and complies with all NFPA and ISO standards.  Tom will also continue in his role as the officer responsible for Engine 4, which is housed at Fire Headquarters.  Tom has been a member of the Department since 1981, and was a member of the Explorer Post.  Congratulations Tom!

Commissioner William Mitchell Honored

On September 20, 2009, a reception was held to honor Fire Commissioner William Mitchell for his 45 years of service to the Department.  Commissioner Mitchell first joined the Department as a firefighter in 1964.  In 1971, he was elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners and he has served as Chairman of the Board since 1975.  Congratulations Commissioner and thank you for your contributions to the Department.

Department Breaks Ground on New Station 3 Facility

On August 25, 2009, the Department broke ground for a new fire/ambulance facility.  The 24,300 square-foot building, to be located at 765 Sullivan Avenue, will replace the original Station 3, built in 1966.  In addition, a portion of the building will house the South Windsor Ambulance Corp., which currently occupies 1,500 square feet of the Police Department.  Although voters approved spending $8.2 million for the facility in 2005, plans to build the facility on another site were sidelined by the discovery of an endangered plant

and other environmental concerns.  According to Town Manager Matthew Galligan, the total cost of the project is now estimated at $7.2 million to $7.4 million and it is scheduled to be completed in about 18 months.

Firefighter Douglas A. Warren

Firefighter Douglas A. Warren, 55, beloved husband of Teresa (Makara) Warren, passed away peacefully on August 15, 2009 at his home with his family at his side.  He died after a courageous year long battle against brain cancer.  Doug was an active member of the Fire Department for 26 years.  At the age of 16, Doug began his service in town fire departments.  He served in Bloomfield and Blue Hills Fire Departments for many years before moving to South Windsor.  He was a member of the Bloomfield

Scuba Diving Rescue Team.  He was an instructor for the Hartford County Fire School and was an advisor for the South Windsor Fire Explorer Post for several years.  Doug was awarded "Fireman of the Year" in 1989 and was currently in the process of restoring a 1931 fire truck.  Doug was an integral part of the Fire Department and will be sadly missed by all.  The following link is a tribute to Doug:  Memorial.

Honor Guard Presents the Colors at Fenway Park

On August 12, 2009, the South Windsor Fire Department Honor Guard presented the colors at Fenway Park, prior to the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Detroit Tigers.  The Red Sox went on to defeat the Tigers, 8 to 2.  The Honor Guard, which consists of approximately 12 members of the Department, was formed in 2009 for the purpose of representing the Department at various events, including parades, funerals, wakes, memorial services, and other ceremonies where the colors are presented.

Walter Moriarty Honored for 40 Years of Service

On May 3, 2009, a reception was held to honor Firefighter Walter Moriarty for his 40 years of service to the Department.  Walt joined the Department in September 1968, and was assigned to Company 3.  Over the past 40 years, he has consistently been one of the most active firefighters in the Department.  In addition to his service as a firefighter, Walt has been a member of the Board of Fire Commissioners since February 1999, and is currently in his third five year term.  During the reception Chief Crombie remarked, "After forty years, Walt continues to set the example for members, both new and old, about how to be an active, devoted firefighter."  Congratulations, Walt, and thank you for your dedicated service to the Department and the Town of South Windsor.

Paul Soderburg Named 2008 Firefighter of the Year

During the Department's Annual Dinner, held on February 3, 2009, Lieutenant Steve Toffolon presented the 2008 Firefighter of the Year Award to Firefighter Paul Soderburg.  Paul has been a firefighter assigned to Company 2 for over 13 years.  In addition to his service as a firefighter, Paul has contributed over one hundred hours working on the committee that designed and inspected Tower 1, and training his fellow firefighters on how to operate the Tower.  He is currently serving on the committee designing the new Engine 3.  Paul has spent countless hours designing, fabricating and installing shelves and decals for the Department's fire apparatus and is always willing to assist.  Paul has been a valued member of the Department's Rescue Squad for many years.  Each year the Firefighter of the Year is selected by a unanimous decision of the six company lieutenants.

Ray Zaugg Receives 2008 President's Award

During the Annual Dinner outgoing President Tom Bengtson presented the 2008 President's Award to Firefighter Ray Zaugg.  Ray has been dedicated to saluting our Department's history for many years, and to this day he leads the Department's History Committee.  Ray also has honored our deceased members by traveling all over Hartford County once a year to place memorial flags on their graves.  In 2008, after providing this service for several years, Ray handed the task to one of our newer members.

Tower 1 Delivered

In August 2008, the Department took delivery of Tower 1, a custom 100-foot mid-mount aerial platform manufactured by American La France.  Tower 1 carries 300 gallons of water and has the capacity to pump 2,000 gallons per minute from two nozzles mounted on the platform.  Click on the following link for additional pictures of Tower 1.

Softball Team Finishes in First Place

The Fire Department's softball team finished the 2008 regular season in first place, with 12 wins and 2 losses, in the C Division of the South Windsor Recreation Department's Adult Softball League.  Click on the following links for more information regarding the team's regular season schedule/scores and the C Division standings.

Officer Promotions

During their April 2008 meeting the Board of Fire Commissioners approved Chief Crombie's recommendation to promote two firefighters to the rank of lieutenant and one lieutenant to the rank of captain.  Firefighter Mike Giroux was promoted to lieutenant of Engine 3 and Firefighter Steve Toffolon was promoted to lieutenant of Rescue 5 and the Rescue Squad.  Lieutenant John Hofmann was promoted to Captain of the Training Division.  Congratulations Mike, Steve and John!

Deputy Chief David W. Papp retired from the Department after 35 years of dedicated service.  Deputy Chief Papp joined the Department in March of 1973 and served in a wide variety of roles during his tenure.  In February of 1981 he was appointed Lieutenant of Company 2, where he led the Rescue Squad.  In August of 1986 he was promoted to Captain and assigned to Company 5.  He served as a Captain in the Training Division from 1989 to 1999, and as Captain of Company 2 from 1999 to 2002.  In 2002, he was promoted to Deputy Chief - Human Resources.  Deputy Chief Papp is certified as a Firefighter I, Airport Firefighter, Instructor I and Officer I.  He also represented South Windsor well as an Instructor with the Hartford County Fire School for many years.  The Department congratulates Deputy Chief Papp on his long list of accomplishments and thanks him for his many years of dedicated service to the Department and the Town of South Windsor.

On March 17, 2008, U.S. Representative John B. Larson presented the Department with signed tax abatement legislation and the pen that President Bush used to sign the bill into law.  The legislation, sponsored by Larson and inspired by former Mayor John Mitchell (pictured at far left), establishes a new law exempting municipal property tax abatements offered to volunteer firefighters from IRS income declarations.  In Connecticut, municipalities may provide tax abatements of up to $1,000 to taxpayers who serve as volunteer firefighters or emergency medical responders.  Prior to the passage of the new law, these abatements were subject to federal income tax.

Department Receives Donation of Pet Oxygen Masks

The Canine Fence Company & Invisible Fence Brand recently donated pet oxygen mask kits to the Department.  "We hope that by donating oxygen mask kits that we will continue to save more pets and hopefully protect pet owners that might risk their own life to save a pet in a fire," said Tracy Scarfi, Marketing Manager for The Canine Fence Company.  It is estimated that in 2006 more than 40,000 pets died in fires; most succumbed to smoke inhalation.  In most states emergency responders are not equipped to treat pets suffering from smoke inhalation.  The donation of these specially designed and potentially lifesaving pet oxygen mask sets will enable the firefighters to efficiently administer oxygen to stricken animals.

Other departments interested in this program can reach Tracy Scarfi from Canine Fence at (800) 818-3647, ext. 131, or tscarfi@caninefence.com.

Rob Sullivan Named 2007 Firefighter of the Year

During the Department's Annual Dinner, held on February 5, 2008, Lieutenant Dan Katzbek presented the 2007 Firefighter of the Year Award to Firefighter Rob Sullivan.  Sullivan first joined the Department's Explorer Post (Company 5) at age 14 and then became a member of Company 2, where he has served the Department as a firefighter for the past 11 years.  Commenting on Sullivan's reliability and dedication to the Department, Lt. Katzbek noted: "If I need something done, he gets it done."  Each year the Firefighter of the Year is selected by a unanimous decision of the six company lieutenants.

Commissioner William Mitchell Receives 2007 President's Award

Also during the Annual Dinner Fire Commissioner William Mitchell received the 2007 President's Award for his many years of service to the Department.  Commissioner Mitchell first joined the Department as a firefighter in 1964.  In 1971, he was elected to the Board of Fire Commissioners and he has served as Chairman of the Board since 1975.

Roger Hildebrand Honored for 40 Years of Service

On November 10, 2007, a surprise reception was held to honor Roger Hildebrand for his 40 years of service to the Department.  Over the last four decades, Roger has served the Department as a firefighter, lieutenant, treasurer, public information officer, and photographer.  Congratulations Roger and thank you for your dedicated service to the Department and the Town of South Windsor.

57th Annual Hartford County Firefighters Memorial Service

On October 14, 2007, the Windsor Locks Fire Department hosted the 57th Annual Hartford County Fire Emergency Plan Memorial Service.  The memorial service, which is hosted by a different Hartford County fire department each year, honors firefighters in the County who died during the past year.  Firefighters from departments across Hartford County marched from Windsor Locks Fire Headquarters to St. Robert Bellarmine Church, where the service was held.  A listing of the deceased Hartford County firefighters honored at the service may be found here:  2006 - 2007 Roll Call.

Softball Team Wins C Division Championship Series

The Fire Department's softball team won the C Division Championship Series of the South Windsor Recreation Department's Adult Softball League on August 20, 2007.  The Department defeated General Digital by a score of 10 to 9 after scoring 5 runs in the bottom of the seventh inning.  This is the Department's first Championship Series victory in the team's 15 year history.  The Department finished the regular season in second place with 10 wins and 4 losses. Click on the following links for more information regarding the C Division regular season schedule/scores, standings, and playoff brackets.

Second Annual Paws in the Park

On May 5, 2007, the Department participated in the Second Annual Paws in the Park, at the Rotary Pavilion at Nevers Park.  The event, which was coordinated by the South Windsor Jaycees to benefit the Fidelco Guide Dog Foundation Inc., included a wide variety of attractions, including an obstacle course demonstration by Fidelco, search and rescue demonstrations, and contests for dogs to participate in throughout the day.

On May 4, 2007, officers from the Department joined officers from the Police Department, Attorney General Richard Blumenthal, town officials and business leaders at the Community Center for a Kick-Off Celebration for Operation Triad and the Yellow Dot Program.

Operation Triad is a partnership of senior citizens, law enforcement agencies, and community support/protective services agencies working together to reduce the criminal victimization of older citizens and enhance the delivery of services to this population.

As part of the Triad program, the Yellow Dot Program helps facilitate the exchange of medical information to emergency services in the event of a motor vehicle accident.  A packet containing important information and a photo identification card for the operator is kept in the glove compartment.  A Yellow Dot is placed on the vehicle’s rear window to alert emergency personnel that the operator is a participant in the program and that information is available in the vehicle.