South Windsor Fire Department Honors Award Winners

The South Windsor Fire Department held its annual banquet at Maneeley’s Banquet Facility and honored members of the department and presented the annual awards.

Read more from the fire department below:

The FIREFIGHTER OF THE YEAR was awarded to ANDREW (ANDY) DEPTULA. In addition to Andy’s dedication, he has been very active as a Rescue Squad member and member of Company Two. He is extremely supported of numerous activities within the Department. The recipient is selected from the Company Officers and was presented by his Captain Dan Katzbek.

The PRESIDENTS AWARD was awarded to CAPTAIN JAY SAMSEL. This award recipient is selected by the President of Social side of our organization and is awarded to a member who exemplifies the Brotherhood and Social aspect of the Fire Service. The recipient is selected by out-going President, Tyler Woods.

The EXCELLENCE IN EXPLORING AWARD was presented to BEN COUILLARD. This award is presented to an Explorer who goes above and beyond and supports the programs in many aspects. Our Explorer Program is the oldest Fire Exploring Program in CT and is associated with the Boy Scouts of America – Explorer Post 838. The group is also known as Company 5 within the Department. The recipient is selected from the adult advisors and presented by Lead Advisor, Dan Connelly.

The DOUG WARREN SPIRIT AWARD was presented to STEVEN NODLAND. The award is named after long time member Doug Warren. Doug was the epiphany of what it is to be a volunteer Firefighter. The dedication, heart, talent, time and overall love for the fire service was shown in everything he did – day in and day out. All with the support of his family. STEVE has those very same qualities. Additionally, Steve was very involved in our Rescue Squad and now involved in a number behind the scene activities.

Our Banquet also serves as the time where the Social Officers start their new terms. Serving as PRESIDENT from Company Three is TORRIE IVES, Congratulations Torrie!

We also honor our members for their length of service with five year increment awards.

Serving for FIVE (5) YEARS are: DANIEL ALBANI, LT. DEBRA BURCH, TIA CORTESE, MATTHEW FALLETTI, HUSSAM SAADA, MICHAEL SAMSEL, JARED PELLETIER, CHRISTOPHER RADKOVICH and a Father and Son, BRIAN AND TORRIE IVES.

Serving for TWENTY (20) YEARS are: DONALD MARCHESSEAULT- Honor Guard Commander, JAY HULL and DIVISION CHIEF DAVID MOTOWIDLAK.

Serving TWENTY-FIVE YEARS is CAPTAIN DAN KATZBEK AND DANIEL CONNELLY - Lead Explorer Advisor.

Serving THIRTY-FIVE YEARS are: KENNETH PLOURDE, PATRICK JOYCE AND DEPUTY CHIEF THOMAS BENGTSON.

Serving FORTY-FIVE YEARS is: DEPUTY CHIEF JAY KNIPPLE.

Lastly, we Thank our Families for their support in allowing all of us to do what we do. Without the support of our families – none of this is possible.