Monroe Volunteer Fire Department Presents Awards

On May 12th, the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department held its annual awards banquet and anniversary dinner at The Waterview. The Department celebrated 89 years of providing 100% volunteer fire and rescue services to the town of Monroe.

Each year, the Department presents awards to volunteers who go above and beyond what is expected of them. Chief William Davin led the awards ceremony, joined by President Christopher Krize.

This year, the Firefighter of the Year Award was presented to a group of firefighters for their actions taken at a house fire on February 20th. Firefighters had been called to the Barn Hill road home just after midnight to investigate an electrical problem inside the house. Just as firefighters arrived, flames erupted and began rolling across the ceiling of the second floor, threatening to spread to the rest of the large home.

Chief Davin presented the award to the first crew of firefighters that arrived on Engine No. 203, praising their efforts for quickly getting the fire under control in a matter of minutes before additional firefighters arrived.

Deputy Chief Josh Krize and Chief Davin, who oversaw the firefighting operations that night, presented the awards to crew members Lieutenant Peter Chila and firefighters George Lattanzi, Kevin Catalano, and Jenna Manion. Chila, Lattanzi, Catalano, and Manion have served the department for 12 years, 20 years, 19 years, and 1 year, respectively.

Davin added, "The experience and training of these firefighters were very apparent that night. Once we realized this was not a typical electrical problem, crew members sprang into action and instinctively did all the right things, both quickly and safely, and limited the fire damage to the area where it originated."

The Fireman of the Year Award, which recognizes a member's behind-the-scenes efforts outside of the fireground, was presented to Ray Luvara, a 2-year member of the department. Luvara was recognized for his eagerness in handling many tasks around the firehouse, including building and grounds maintenance, and for participating in fund raising activities.

Lastly, the Chief's Award for Outstanding Service was presented to a group of firefighters that comprise the department's training committee. The training committee is responsible for conducting weekly training courses (held each Tuesday evening), monitoring fire service developments, and ensuring compliance with professional training regulations and requirements.  The training committee consists of Captain Garrett Picci and firefighters George Lattanzi, Shaun Wheeler, and Kevin Catalano, all of whom are State of Connecticut certified fire instructors.