Fire Department recaps 2023 with annual awards banquet
February 17, 2024 | By Sally Dillon | Photos by Amanda Guyette
Kenny Ryan (left), the 2023 Probationary Firefighter of the Year, with Chief Gary Dillon (right). Photo by Amanda Guyette
The Waterbury Fire Department recently held its annual membership banquet and awards ceremony at the Main Street fire station.
Kenny Ryan was named the 2023 Probationary Firefighter of the Year and Lt. Matthew Jones was named the 2023 Amanda “Mandy” Morse Firefighter of the Year.
Ryan has an interesting and fortunate story. A junior firefighter during his high school days, he was respectful, hardworking, and eager to learn. He left to join the U.S. Army spending time stateside and overseas. He returned to Waterbury with a wife and daughter and life experience. He’s rejoined the department, gaining new training and becoming an integral part of the department where he’s always thinking outside the box and making well-thought-out suggestions. Ryan understands our values and what makes us special.
The Amanda Morse honor each year is given in remembrance of Mandy 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.
Chief Gary Dillon with Lt. Matt Jones, the Amanda “Mandy” Morse Firefighter of the Year for 2023. Photo by Amanda Guyette
Jones represents the face of the Waterbury Fire Department with pride and respect. His dedication to the department, teaching methods and the kind, patient, professional way that he portrays himself would make Mandy proud.
A special honor went to Alec Tuscany, who spearheaded the committee to get us two stations after the Waterbury and Waterbury Center departments merged. After multiple votes, plans moved ahead to build two stations and Tuscany served as the clerk of the works while they were being built. Since their completion in 2011, he has continued to be a good steward of these buildings as well as helping the department in any way he can.
It was only fitting that, upon fully retiring from the Town of Waterbury recently, Tuscany was named an honorary firefighter in the department. He’s the second person to earn that honor, the other being former Waterbury Town Manager Bill Shepeluk.
In a department tradition, every holiday there has been a mystery Cupid, secret Santa or Easter Bunny who leaves a variety of gifts for our firefighters on our gear racks. We’ve received candy, lottery tickets, fire department trinkets, ties and socks among other things over the years. This year, the guys received ties and the gals bracelets. Initially, this was a mystery but over time it was determined to be Stan and Rene Morse behind the surprise gifts. This year we acknowledged them with special gifts in return and restaurant gift certificates. Thank you to Stan and Rene for making us all feel special.
Alec Tuscany (left), the department’s newest and second honorary member. Photo by Amanda Guyette
Chief Gary Dillon gave members special T-shirts. The back has a design in the shape of a pyramid listing the names of our members, officers, and chief officers. Chief Dillon stressed the importance of the base of that pyramid being the foundation of the department and an integral part of our success while those at the top are to guide them and oversee their successes.
Looking back at 2023, we acknowledged that cancer hit the Waterbury Fire Department hard this year. Between our auxiliary, firefighters, and lifetime members, we had five people diagnosed with five different types of cancer. It was only fitting that this was recognized on the shirts as well, not only to acknowledge the individuals, but to remind each of us of the importance of routine physicals, as well as not ignoring our body when something doesn’t seem right.
The evening culminated with a slideshow with scenes from department calls and events in 2023. Some of the calls include the mutual aid response to the Nov. 1 R.K. Miles fire in Montpelier, a porch fire on Winooski Street, a camper fire on Sweet Road, and both a grass fire and house fire on Little River Road. Featured events include Not Quite Independence Day, Halloween and Christmas celebrations.
We are so appreciative of not only our members, but of their families, the auxiliary, and our community. In addition, former Stowe Fire Department member Lance Purnell once again catered an amazing meal for the occasion.
Department members sport matching ties and socks for the occasion. Photo by Amanda Guyette
Sally Dillon is a battalion chief with the Waterbury Fire Department. Photos and video by Amanda Guyette.