Firefighter Fred Palmer, right, received recognition from the Connecticut legislature for 60 years of service to the Orange Volunteer Fire Department during the organization’s 100th anniversary awards dinner. Presenting the award is state Rep. Kathy Kennedy, R-119, and James Maroney, D-14. Photo courtesy of the OVFD.
At its 100th anniversary awards dinner, the Orange Volunteer Fire Department honored longtime member Fred Palmer for an outstanding 60 years of active service. Palmer, who joined the department in 1964, continues to serve the community to this day and was presented with a plaque and a formal proclamation from the Connecticut General Assembly in recognition of his commitment.
Palmer’s passion for firefighting began in childhood during the late 1940s and early 1950s, when he accompanied his father to fight grassfires. Reflecting on his decades of service, Palmer said, “I enjoy the camaraderie. That hasn’t changed in the last 60 years.”
Over the years, Palmer has seen the fire service evolve dramatically.
“It’s obvious there have been improvements,” he noted. “When I joined, all the personal protective equipment was on the truck – you just grabbed what you needed. Now, personal protection equipment and training have come a long way.”
Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas praised Palmer’s ongoing contributions, saying, “We try to be a progressive department and keep up with the latest technology and tactics, while honoring the traditions that built our department. People like Fred, who is still active, help us move forward while reminding us of our proud traditions.”
A lifelong supporter of the department’s annual carnival, Palmer recalls working at the event since childhood. From staffing a tent on the Orange Town Green with his father to working in the administration office today, Palmer remains a dedicated presence at the event, which has grown into a major regional fair held each August.
In addition to Palmer, the department recognized other members for their long-standing service, including: Deputy Chief Charles Sherwood, 55 years; Assistant Chief Charles Gagel and Don Foyer, 50 years; David Gagel and Peter Daniel, 45 years; Roman Oleschuk and Dave Gagel, 35 years; George Geane, 30 years; Joe Duplinsky and Lisa Kaplan, 15 years; John Gagel, Nick Brown and Jess Bartha, 10 years; and Will Clemens, five years.
The department also presented special recognition awards to Firefighter of the Year Joseph Ianniello; Fire Officer of the Year Captain Eric Demeraski; the Life Saving Award to Tom Bartiss, for saving a child’s life by performing CPR on a child who was the victim of a drowning incident; Dedication and Exemplary Service Award to Charles Sherwood; and Honorary Membership to Diana Bunton.
Palmer, who has also served as assistant treasurer, emergency management coordinator, and continues to serve on the Silverbrook Housing Advisory Council, shared a final piece of advice for younger members:
“Make sure you train well, wear all the safety gear, work the carnival, and maintain the finances,” he said.
The OVFD remains a 100 percent volunteer organization, committed to serving the community through dedication, tradition and progress.