AVON/WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — Avon firefighters joined colleagues from across Connecticut Sunday to honor fallen members of the fire service, including longtime Avon Deputy Fire Chief David Theriault.
Theriault was among 10 fallen firefighters whose names were added to the Connecticut Fallen Firefighters Memorial during the 24th annual memorial service, according to the Avon Volunteer Fire Department.
The memorial, located on the grounds of the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks, honors Connecticut firefighters who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.
Members of Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department joined Avon firefighters at Sunday's ceremony as Theriault's name was added to the memorial.
"We remember. We honor. We will never forget," the Avon Volunteer Fire Department said following the service.
Theriault died in January following what the department described as a "courageous battle with occupational cancer."
He joined the Avon Volunteer Fire Department as an explorer at age 14. He went on to serve the department for nearly 35 years and rose through its ranks to become deputy chief.
During his career, Theriault served as an explorer adviser and special operations captain and chaired the department's 75th Anniversary Committee.
He also received the department's Most Calls for Interior Firefighter Award for 2022-23 and recorded the most training hours for a support firefighter during 2024-25.
Tunxis Hose members said Sunday that they and Farmington firefighters joined their Avon counterparts at the memorial to add Theriault's name.
From Jan. 16: 'Avon FD Mourns Passing of Beloved Fire Official'
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