Farmington Man Served As Firefighter When JFK Was President

FARMINGTON, CT — When Richard "Dick" Glanovsky joined the Farmington Fire Department's Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1, John F. Kennedy was inaugurated a month prior, cigarette ads were on TV and Roger Maris had yet to break Babe Ruth's home run record.

Six decades after his Feb. 20, 1961 appointment, Glanovsky was honored by the town's top-elected body as the 2022 Firefighter of the Year Dec. 13, culminating a massive volunteer and professional careers saving lives and property in town.

At the volunteer fire department, Glanovsky was a firefighter, lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and assistant chief.

Then, in 1977, Glanovsky worked for the FFD full-time as a paid firefighter until his retirement in 2001.

But, according to the proclamation approved by the council Dec. 13, Glanovsky's impact didn't end with retirement.

He served as a mentor to new generations of firefighters.

"Dick Glanovsky continued to work diligently for the citizens of Farmington even after his retirement," read the proclamation. "His influence and knowledge of fire service and Tunxis Hose itself has been instrumental on younger members not just within Tunxis Hose, but throughout the entire Town of Farmington."

Councilman Joe Capodiferro officially presented the town proclamation to Glanovsky.

A Farmington Police Department officer from 1990-2016, Capodiferro said Glanovsky was well-known in the local emergency responder community.

"Not only was he always at that fire department, whether he was working or at his off time, as a volunteer, as a paid firefighter, but he was always someone you could come to to talk with, sit down with," Capodiferro said.

"It didn't matter if you were a police officer or not, whether you were just visiting the fire department or not, it didn't matter. He always made you feel welcomed and made you feel appreciated for what was going on around you."

Following Capodiferro's comments and awarding of a hat and plaque to Glanovsky, state Rep. Mike DeMicco, D-Farmington, gave him another honor.

"All I will say is echo the sentiments of councilman Capiderro about the dedicated and long-serving efforts of Dick," said DeMicco.

DeMicco presented the veteran firefighter with a General Assembly citation approved by the legislation honoring Glanovsky for his six decades of service.

A visibly moved Glanovsky expressed appreciation for the honors amid a sea of handshakes, smiles and applause.

"Thank you very much for the appreciation," Glenovsky said.

For the minutes of the Dec. 13 Farmington Town Council meeting, click on this link.