By Olivia Drake, HVFC Public Information Officer.
Higganum resident Richard Zanelli was named the 2019 Firefighter of the Year during Haddam Volunteer Fire Company’s Firefighters’ Appreciation Banquet Feb. 1, 2020. Captain Zanelli also was named the 2019 Top Responder.
The annual banquet, held at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, brought together members, town officials, firefighters from neighboring towns, and guests for an evening of camaraderie, dinner, awards, and raffle prizes, many of which were donated by local businesses.
HVFC Chief Sam Baber credited members for responding to 555 calls for emergency services in 2019. Haddam’s total response time totaled 2,700 man hours. Members also spent 3,070 man hours training.
“Know that each and every one of you in this room plays an integral role in providing support to the Haddam community,” Baber said. “Whether you’re a top responding firefighter, EMT, or even our company treasurer, you are crucial to this organization.”
Chief Baber awarded the company’s top five responders with a framed certificate. They include: Zanelli with 268; Deputy Chief Peter Brown with 188; Firefighter Ronald Annino with 155; Firefighter Charlie Rourke with 150; and EMT Chuck Kowal with 147.
He also honored Firefighters Mike Miller and Bob Kadrle with Special Recognition Awards for their efforts completing the Haddam Fire Training Facility, which is now fully operational, and Firefighter and Radio Engineer Scott Larson for his efforts updating the company’s radio system.
Chief Baber recognized individuals who received Years of Service pins in 2019. They include: Firefighter Chet Crocco, 5 years; EMT Rose Eberl, 10 years; Lieutenant Scott Kuchyt, 40 years; and Firefighter Bob Kadrle, 50 years.
Zanelli received the Firefighter of the Year Award for making almost 50 percent of all calls, for which he volunteered 168 hours on these calls. He serves on the Forestry, Crisis, and Training Facility Committee, and stepped up to be a captain, filling in a much-needed void. He’s also the oldest interior firefighter in the membership.
Prior to a blessing by HVFC Chaplain Seth Nuzum, Chief Baber offered appreciation to the member’s families.
“Between meetings, training, drills, committees and calls, we realize the fire company is a huge commitment and that it can have an impact on personal and family time,” he said. “So thank you to the spouses and significant others for being so understanding. Without your support, we couldn’t do our job as well as we do.”
