2019 SWFD Annual Awards

MEDIA RELEASE:  On Tuesday, February 5^th, the South Windsor Fire Department held its Annual Banquet at Maneeley’s Banquet Facility.  Over 75 active members attended as well many Life Members as we celebrated accomplishments and presented a few significant awards.  Also attending were Town Dignitaries, the Town Council 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 FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR was awarded to BRYAN HOLMES.  All the Company Captains submit nominations and chose from active Firefighters within their Companies. 

The PRESIDENTS AWARD was awarded to DOROTHY ‘DOT’ McDONALD.  This award recipient is selected by the President of Social side of our organization and is awarded to a member who exemplifies the Social aspect of the Fire Service. The recipient is selected by out-going President, Keith Reynolds.

The EXCELLENCE IN EXPLORING AWARD was presented to DAVID HARPER.  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.  This year, 2019, is the 50^th Anniversary of the Explorer Post.  The group is also known as Company 5 within the Department.  The recipient is selected from the adult advisors.

The DOUG A. WARREN MEMORIAL SPIRIT AWARD was presented to DEPUTY CHIEF      THOMAS BENGTSON.  The award is named after long time member Doug Warren.  Doug was the epiphany 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. 

Our Banquet also serves as the time where the Social Officers start their new terms.  Serving as PRESIDENT from Company Three is DAVID ARILDSEN,  Congratulations Dave!

We also honor our members for their length of service with five year increment awards. 

FIVE (5) YEARS  -

Christian Arildsen, Shaun Botha, Correy Piacentini, Megan Soares, Dylan Woods

TEN (10) YEARS –

Robert Baral, Shaun Brault, Lionel Harris, James (Jim) Kulas, Jeremiah Pendleton, JT Samsel

FIFTEEN (15) YEARS –

Chaplain – Rev. Doug Rowse

Bryan Holmes

TWENTY-FIVE (25) YEARS –

Robin (Packi) Pendleton

THIRTY-FIVE (35) YEARS –

David Shea with Members of Company 2

Captain Jay Samsel

Chief of Police, Scott Custer presented the Department a gift of an Axe Plaque in appreciation of the Department’s relationship with the Police as they celebrate their 50^th Anniversary.

Our Guest Speaker was Hartford Fire Chief Reginald Freeman who offered comments on Culture Change in the Fire Service.

Slightly overdue, we were able to present Lt. Kathy Scanlon her retirement Plaque, as he served the Department for over 30 years.  The group she led at the time of retirement, the Fire and Life Safety Division presented her a gift for all she did for that Division.  Congrats Kathy and Thank You!

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.

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.

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Recruitment

Complete a Membership Application today!  Contact Deputy Chief Scott Fine at 860-463-0500 or via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Bring membership application in person.

 Do you have what it takes to become a member of the South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department?  The SWFD is currently recruiting new members.  What does it take?  We are seeking new members of all ages and abilities who possess a desire to help and a passion for service, as well as a sense of pride and tradition.  Founded in 1938, the South Windsor Fire Department has been an all-volunteer service for over 75 years; but we can’t do it without your help!! 

Come join our team of highly dedicated and well trained members who have the newest apparatus and state of the art equipment at their disposal. 

Positions include Fire Fighter, Fire Police, Fire Explorer (for youth aged 14-17), Support Staff and Fire and Life Safety.  All training and equipment is included.  For more information, please visit www.southwindsorfire.org.

South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department
1175 Ellington Road 
South Windsor, CT  06074

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Welcome!

The South Windsor Volunteer Fire Department proudly protects the lives and property of over 25,000 people living and working in a 28.5 square mile area.  Our approximately 130 members, all volunteers, work out of three stations.  In addition to our staff officers and line firefighters, we have a Support Unit (Company 6), a Fire & Life Safety Education & Community Outreach Support Unit, and an Explorer Post (Company 5) for members under 18 years old.  The Department currently operates 5 engines, 1 aerial platform, 1 heavy rescue, a utility truck and 1 marine unit.

Please browse our site to learn more about the Department and visit us again in the near future for new and additional information.  Thank you for visiting!