On October 2nd, the Exchange Club of Ridgefield gave the Ridgefield Fire Department an Appreciation Buffet at the Leir Retreat Center. At the event, awards were given to the volunteer and career Firefighters of the Year. Fire Chief Jerry Myers read the commendations citing service above and beyond the call of duty for an extended period of time as the key criterion. Certainly, Captain Craig Dibble meets that criterion by having provided 35 years of volunteer service to the fire department and to the community - following in the footsteps of his father. Similarly, Career Firefighter Edward Marchitto was lauded for his exceptional services.
First Selectman Rudy Marconi accompanied by Selectman Bob Hebert. and Selectwoman Maureen Kozlark jointly presented plaques and thanks from the town for the service the two award winners had given to the town. Also, the local Exchange Club presented plaques and thanks to the two Firefighters of the Year. Rabbi Jon Haddon gave the Invocation including an entertaining tribute to the department and the Rev. Dr. Deborah Rundlett gave the Benediction including a moving personal account of gratitude to the department.
The award winners will also be feted, along with winners from other CT towns, by the Exchange Club’s CT District at the Astro Turf in Southington on October 17.
As always, the Leir, a great Ridgefield institution, continues to be a most generous and irreplaceable host of this event.
