By Olivia Drake, HVFC Public Information Officer
(July 13, 2026) — Congratulations to Richard “Rich” Williams on fifty years of service to the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company! Rich joined the Junior Division in May 1976 and became a senior member in July 1978. Over the past five decades, he has served in numerous leadership positions, including Captain, Third Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Representative to the Board of Directors, and Junior Division Chief. He became a Veteran Driver in 2004.
Volunteer service is a proud family tradition for the Williams family. Rich is a third-generation member of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company. His grandfather, Richard F. Williams, Sr., attended the dedication of the original HVFC firehouse on December 13, 1930, and served until 1942. His father, Richard F. Williams, Jr., served from 1962 to 1996, and his son, Richard “Rick” K. Williams, continued the family tradition as a member from 2006 to 2016.
Rich’s 50 years of service represent not only an extraordinary personal commitment, but also a family legacy of volunteerism that has helped protect our community for generations. During the company’s monthly meeting on July 6, 2026, Rich celebrated the milestone with his family and fellow firefighters (photo above).
Chief Sam Baber honored him with a 50-Years-of-Service pin (photo above). Please join us in thanking Rich for his dedication to the Town of Haddam!
Photos provided by HVFC
