Fire department honors personnel at annual awards banquet
- Apr 14
- 2 min read
Submitted by EHFD EMS Captain Melanie Kolek
The East Haddam Fire Department gathered for its annual awards night dinner to recognize the dedication, professionalism, and service of its members. The evening highlighted milestones in years of service, acts of heroism, and outstanding contributions to the department and community.
Service Awards
Members were honored for reaching significant service milestones:
Five years of service: Commissioner Tim Reynolds, Captain Chris Leidemer, Lieutenant Ryan Warriner.
10 Years of service: Captain Kyle Mosig, Captain Neil Mosig.
20 Years of service: Firefighter Marty Bogue, Firefighter Kevin Rutty.
25 Years of service: Retired Chief of Department Shawn Daigle.
30 Years of service: Fire Police Eric Smith.
35 Years of service: Fire Police Charlie Woodward.
40 Years of service: Lieutenant Jerry Boynton, Fire Police Bruce Dutch.
50 Years of service: Walter Vadj Parkus.
Lifesaving Awards
The department recognized the following firefighters for their decisive and lifesaving actions: Firefighter Brian Duhaime, Firefighter Jason Prescott, Firefighter Damien Speranza, Firefighter Michael Ahern.
Recognition of Retired Officers
The department also honored officers who recently concluded their active service: retired Captain Toni Calamari, retired Captain Matt Swol, retired Lieutenant Bryan Kane.
Training Achievements
Two junior members were acknowledged for completing advanced introductory training in the fire service: Junior Firefighter Dylan Miller, Junior Firefighter Ryan Solovei.
Veterans Service Recognition
The department proudly recognized members who have served in the United States Armed Forces: Firefighter Walter Vadj Parkus, USMC (Ret.), Captain Neil Mosig, US Navy (Ret.), Lieutenant Michelle Walker, US Navy (Ret.), Lieutenant Eric Walker, US Navy (Ret.), Captain Chris Leidemer, US Army (Ret.), Captain Bob Bennett, US Army (Ret.), Lieutenant James Spirito, US Army (Ret.), Engineer Zak Uhlman, US Army (Ret.), Firefighter Bryan Kane, US Army Active Reserve.
Special Awards and Department Honors
Several members were recognized for exceptional performance and dedication throughout the year:
Meritorious Service
Captain Melanie Kolek
Chief’s Award
Captain Chris Leidemer, Captain Melanie Kolek, Commissioner Tim Reynolds, Engineer Spencer Laddy-Locks.
Fire Police of the Year
Engineer Rob Kolek
Most Active Member
Engineer Spencer Laddy-Locks
Junior Firefighter of the Year
Junior Firefighter Ryan Solovei
Probationary Firefighter of the Year
Engineer Spencer Laddy-Locks
Officer of the Year
Captain Nate Botting
Firefighter of the Year
Engineer Justin Kolasinski
The department also extended its gratitude to neighboring agencies whose representatives attended the ceremony in support of the East Haddam Fire Department. Chief of Department Brian J. Auld closed the evening by congratulating all award recipients and thanking every member for their ongoing commitment to protecting the East Haddam community.
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