Late Councilor Named Enfield Democrat of the Year

ENFIELD, CT — A longtime public servant in both a public safety and town government capacity will be honored posthumously as the Enfield Democrat of the Year.

William "Red" Edgar was a lifelong resident of Enfield. He was raised on a small farm on Enfield Street and attended school in Enfield. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and received an honorable discharge, then attended American International College.

Red was an Enfield police officer for over 39 years and worked at as a National Service Officer for the AMVETS for 22 years. Throughout his life, he was dedicated to serving his town and his country. He was on the Enfield Town Council since 1995. Red served his community faithfully and for numerous years – he never took an election for granted and campaigned the “Red” way with personalized post cards, phone calls, standing at the polls all day and keeping the connections with the citizens he served.

He was trustworthy and hard-working – he always worked to maintain the trust of the citizens. Red was never afraid to be the only “no” vote on a waiver or a town issue that didn’t seem right. Not only was he politically involved, but Red’s door was always open for people to stop by or to call him. Red spent countless hours in the community learning about his district and his community. He attended meetings and events. Red was a councilman that truly was committed to his district not only through his words but through his actions.

Red was a National Service Officer for the AMVETS, where he maintained a full service office for veterans’ benefits. He presented cases up to and including the Veterans’ Board of Appeal for 22 years. During the past years, Red volunteered his years of valuable expertise to veterans all over the country. He understood the issues many of veterans today face firsthand.

Red Edgar was a great councilman but more importantly, Red was an admirable man that was dedicated to public service. Red felt the quality of life for Enfield residents was very important. He was smart and knowledgeable about Enfield, and therefore is receiving the great honor of Democrat of the Year 2017 award.

The Event for the Democrat of the Year 2017 award will be Wednesday, Oct. 18 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Figaro’s Restaurant, 90 Elm St., Enfield. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at the door or by contacting Kathleen Sarno at 860-989-8470, or Tony DiPace at 860-729-9843.

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Story and photo courtesy of Enfield Democratic Town Committee