Farmington Congregates: New Pastor Also a Firefighter

Submitted by Anne Fitzgerald

Memorial United Methodist Church, 867 West Avon Road, Avon recently welcomed its new pastor, Rev. Joseph Piccirillo and his wife Sandy after his 12 years at the Nichols UMC in Trumbull, CT. He has also served at First UMC in Shelton and East Berlin UMC. Pastor Joseph earned his Master of Divinity degree from St. John’s Seminary in Brighton, MA and has studied theology at Harvard Divinity School, Boston College and Yale Divinity School.

Joseph is also a State Certified Firefighter who served in the Nichols Fire Department. He has joined the ranks of the Avon Fire Department out of Company 3 at 490 West Avon Road, and on November 17 responded on Engine 14 to the Lovely Street fire – his first fire response in his new town of residence. Chief Michael F. Trick congratulated him and officially welcomed him aboard.

Pastor Joseph was also Chaplain at the Nichols Fire Department, and having served as Chaplain in the United States Naval Reserves for ten years attaining the Rank of Lieutenant, participated in Avon’s recent Veterans Day ceremonies.

“It feels real good to be back… doing God’s work in another type of way… helping people and protecting their property. As one chief put it… I save souls and lives.”

Rev. Piccirillo would love to meet anyone for coffee to chat about their faith or Memorial UMC. Feel free to call 860-673-2111 or go to http://avonunitedmethodist.com/to learn of upcoming events.