MIDDLEBURY — The Middlebury Fire Department and Battell Hose Company held its annual awards dinner on Dec. 10, 2016 at the American Legion Post 27 in Middlebury. The dinner was attended by current, former and life members of the Middlebury Fire Department, as well as members of the board of directors of the Battell Hose Company, and guests.
Chief David Shaw highlighted several of the department’s accomplishments for the year “through the numbers”:
•  One new ladder truck that has been approved by the Town and is on order for delivery in October 2017.
•  Three new members in the last year.
•  34 total members in the department.
•  230 calls for service.
•  2,374 total training hours for the department.
Chief Shaw also presided over the annual presentation of awards, which recognizes the contributions and efforts of the members of the Middlebury Fire Department. The award recipients for 2016 are:
Firefighter Randy Garrow for five years of service; Captain Kirk Gallipo for five years of service; Captain Paul Garrow for 25 years of service; Captain Kirk Gallipo received the Captain Richard Hayes Training Award for the most hours of training in the department for the prior year (2015) at 198 hours. This award is given in memory of Captain Richard E. Hayes, who passed away in 2001.
Firefighter Jeffrey Carpenter received the Chiefs’ award for outstanding service to the department in 2016.
Chief David Shaw said, “The annual awards dinner is a time for the department, along with spouses and partners, to take some time to reflect on the year that has passed, and to acknowledge the deep commitment and service of our members to the department and the community. I am honored to lead this group.”
The Middlebury Fire Department is a volunteer organization dedicated to responding effectively and safely to incidents in the pursuit of protecting life, property, and the environment. We do this with a professional attitude underscored by extensive training and respect for our fellow residents, especially in their times of crises.
We value our fellow firefighters and equipment, as our lives depend on them. The Middlebury Fire Department is supported by the generosity of the residents, businesses, and property owners of Middlebury. In return, we deliver protection, day and night, worthy of a big city yet reflective of the small community in which we live.