Firefighters Honored At Elks Lodge Ceremony

The No. 360 in New London set the stage for a for some deserving heroes in Eastern Connecticut on Sunday. Fifteen firefighters from Waterford, , Montville, East Lyme, and the Mohegan Tribe were all recognized for their heroics in the line of duty.

The day was in memory of 'Ernie' Wallace. As the owner of Shipman's Fire Equipment Co., Wallace built the business from a small company to one of the most successful fire equipment businesses in the Northeast. He passed away in October.

"I am very honored to be here and I'd like tor thank everybody for coming."said New London firefighter Mike Leonard. He just wants to do his job and not take any honors. He is the New London Firefighter of the Year.

Area fire departments within the lodges jurisdiction have elected their own honorees and the following were honored. Waterford Fire Companies: Jordan- firefighter Joseph Reese, Quaker Hill- firefighter Jason Dickey; Goshen- firefighter Andrew Stino; Oswegatchie- firefighter John Sylvestre; Cohanzie Lt. Daniel Ukleja.

"I see the comrdery amongst the fellow firefighter," said Elks Exalted Ruler Michele Brighton. "This event is to thank the firefighters for the work they do everyday. This is mone of our favorite annual tradion we do every year."