Fire Department honors three members at annual banquet
Jan. 27, 2023 | By Waterbury Roundabout The Waterbury Fire Department recently held its annual banquet and looking back at 2022, the group honored several of its members with special awards.
Firefighter Richard White was recognized for his 50 years of service to the department. Capt. Kyle Guyette was named the Amanda "Mandy" Morse Firefighter of the Year. And new to the department, Firefighter Grant McCracken was named Probationary Firefighter of the Year.
Richard White marks 50 years of service to the Waterbury Fire Department. Photo by Em Lamson
Grant McCracken receives the Probationary Firefighter of the Year honor from Chief Gary Dillon. Photo by Em Lamson
Lt. Ryan Foster introduced the Morse award, named after Amanda Morse, a teacher at Crossett Brook Middle School, parent and Waterbury firefighter who died in 2015. The department honors her memory by presenting an annual award to a firefighter who demonstrates the dedication and ideals Morse possessed.
Foster introduced the award in the program this way:
“Mandy was many things to many people. She was not just a mother, a daughter, a wife, a friend, or a firefighter. Mandy was an inspiration, a motivator, a leader, a teacher and someone who brought out the best and the most in everyone. Every time Mandy walked into the station or climbed into the fire truck, she did so with a big smile and giggles regardless of if it was training, maintenance, or a call. She brought energy, happiness and smiles to all who were around her. She loved the department and everything we did. She inspired all of us to be happier, healthier and to work harder day after day.”
Foster then explained the choice of Guyette to receive the honor for 2022:
Capt. Kyle Guyette (center), awarded the Amanda "Mandy" Morse Firefighter of the Year Award, along with Lt. Ryan Foster (left) and Chief Gary Dillon. Photo by Em Lamson
“Kyle’s leadership is virtually endless and extends to every aspect of the fire department. Whether it’s on a fire scene, a motor vehicle accident, or at training, his leadership not only includes instructing and giving commands, but it also includes working alongside one another no matter what the task is. Kyle works day in and day out on the planning, setup, and execution of trainings, and then often has to modify these based on weather or poor attendance. He constantly works on how to make the department better, how to bring out the most in our members, and how to make the most out of what we have. Kyle continues to go above and beyond to keep the fire department and our equipment functioning and ready for service. Much of this effort goes unnoticed by some and under-appreciated by many.”
Foster said he’s watched Guyette mature in his roles with the department from firefighter to lieutenant, captain, and now as the training officer. “He now truly is a leader and a mentor both at fire calls and at training. At training he is not just telling people what to do anymore, he does a great job explaining, teaching, and helping everyone learn both what to do and why to do it. He has become open to questions, ideas, and feedback. Kyle makes all of us better firefighters, and therefore makes the department better as a whole and I know damn well Mandy would be proud that the 2022 Firefighter of the Year award goes to Captain Guyette.”
The Fire Department Auxiliary was recognized for their continued support during calls and training exercises. And the annual gathering salutes department members’ families for their understanding and support.
For the occasion, Adam Lamson whose parents are firefighters assembled a 2022 Year in Review slideshow for the department that’s posted on YouTube. View that here.