Two of Bethel's Bravest Honored as 'Firefighters of the Year'

“Firefighters are some of the most selfless public servants you will ever encounter.” ~Denis Leary

It takes a very special, noble person to put their life on the line day in and day out for total strangers. While most people’s instinct is to run out of a burning building, a firefighters’ instinct is to run in to that burning building and rescue every last living thing, person or pet.

On Thursday, two such men were honored for their bravery and dedication by the Exchange Club of Danbury. The club recognized a member from each of Bethel’s departments as Bethel Firefighter of the Year at Anthony’s Lake Club in Danbury.

From the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department, Lt. Brendan Patrick Ryan was honored. Ryan told Patch, “I was not expecting this. I’m doing what I really like to do with people that I like, so it’s nice to be recognized. Winning this award is just icing on the cake.”

Fellow firefighter Link Hurgin said via Facebook, “Congratulations Lieutenant. Well deserved. Long and proud tradition of Irish firemen in Bethel. Welcome to the club.”

Amanda Bachman, also a volunteer firefighter at Bethel’s downtown station said, “Brendan is a wonderful leader in the fire department that many look up to. He is an amazing Firefighter, MRT,Lieutenant, role model, and brother. Brendan has dedicated much of his time to making calls and educating the town of Bethel with public relations and fire prevention. He also just received his Fire Instructor Certification.”

Ryan was awarded “Officer of the Year” last January for the Bethel Volunteer Fire Department.

Chief Ken Parciasepe was the honoree from the Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department. He has been a member of the Stony Hill Vol. Fire Dept. for the past 28 years and has served as Chief for the past 10. He is retiring in December and is handing over the reigns to Bethel Fire Marshal Thomas Galliford.

Galliford said, “In the challenging world of the volunteer fire service, sometimes the management fight is tougher than the firefighting. It takes an unique individual, such as Ken, to serve the role. Someone who is driven to always move forward, embrace technology, develop relationships with Town officials, including a positive partnership spanning three FIrst Selectmen, and stay up to date on new techniques and educational opportunities.”

According to Galliford, as Chief, Parciasepe helped secure over $1 million dollars in funding and assisted in the design and implementation of a new town­wide integrated, Police, Fire, EMS and DPW Radio System. He also secured over $2.5 million dollars in both FEMA and local funding for multiple equipment grants, including fitness equipment, SCBA upgrades, replacement fire hose as well as two new fire apparatus and an ALS ready ambulance.

Congratulations to two of Bethel’s bravest.

Photo: Chief Ken Parciasepe (left) and Lt. Brendan Patrick Ryan (right) were both honored as Firefighters of the Year. Photo via Facebook

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