By Olivia Drake, HVFC Public Information Officer
(June 4, 2025) — On June 2, 2025, the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company honored Higganum resident Richard Zanelli for serving the Town of Haddam as a member of the HVFC for fifty years.
Zanelli’s membership began on June 2, 1975, when he was elected and sworn in to the membership. In July 1976, he was promoted to the rank of Firefighter. Over the years, Zanelli has held numerous positions and participated in a wide range of committees. His early involvement included roles on the Picnic Committee in the 1970’s and other appointments as Press Secretary throughout the 1980’s and early 1990’s. He contributed to Old Timers Night over several years, serving his famous venison and wood plank-cooked shad.
Zanelli also served on the Grievance, Nominating, Crisis, Christmas and Renovations Committees. Notably, he’s been an integral part of the Forestry Committee since 2007, and has helped the company receive numerous grants from the State of Connecticut supporting HVFC’s forestry training and supplies. He also spearheaded efforts to construct the company’s training facility and was named Top Responder in 2019.
Operationally, he served as Lieutenant from 2011 to 2015 and as Captain from 2015 through early 2022, with several consecutive terms during that time. During the company’s monthly meeting, Town of Haddam First Selectman Robert McGarry congratulated Zanelli on his 50 years of service by reading a proclamation, and declared June 2, 2025 as “Richard Zanelli Day.” (photo above)
Haddam Fire Chief Sam Baber also awarded Zanelli a fifty-years-of-service pin. “At my age, which is almost 75, I still have it, and that is to want to help people. So just remember, that’s what we’re here for. To help our local residents,” Zanelli said. His dedication to public service is rooted in a strong family legacy. Richard Zanelli is the grandson of Victor P. Zanelli, Sr., a founding member of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company. Victor, Sr. was first recorded in HVFC records on March 10, 1930, and played a vital role in its early development.
Richard Zanelli’s father, Victor Zanelli, Jr., continued the family’s fire service tradition. He joined the department at age 25 in 1949 and served until his passing in January 1961. Richard’ Zanelli’s brothers, Donald and Mark Zanelli, also were active members. Donald joined as an apprentice in 1970 and served until his resignation in 1982. Mark, initially elected in 1975, rejoined in 1981 and became a Life Member in 1991.
The Zanelli family’s contributions span nearly a century of service to the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company. Please congratulate and thank Richard “Richie” Zanelli for serving the Town of Haddam for fifty years!
Photos by Olivia Drake
