Newtown EMT Receives

Blackwell Service Award

By Nancy K. Crevier

National EMS (Emergency Medical Services) Week, May 16 to 22, is particularly special in Newtown this year, with the prestigious Christopher Blackwell Dedication to Service Award of the Danbury Hospital EMS System awarded to Newtown Volunteer Ambulance emergency medical technician Roger Connor, Jr, at the annual recognition dinner held Wednesday evening, May 19, at Stony Hill Inn in Bethel. Mr Connor was among hundreds nominated by peers in the Danbury region for the award that annually honors one emergency worker for exceptional commitment and dedication in the field of emergency services.

Christopher Blackwell was a New York City firefighter from New Fairfield who perished in the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center.

Mr Connor has been an EMT with the Newtown Volunteer Ambulance for eight years, following in the footsteps of his father, Roger Connor, Sr, and his grandfather, both of whom served with the local ambulance company and who were on the board of directors. “I guess it is in his blood,” said Mr Connor, Sr.

“Roger is a very dedicated and focused young man. Ever since he got out of the Navy he has been interested in public safety,” he said. Again, that is perhaps not so surprising to those who know the family. Mr Connor, Jr’s, father is a police officer with Western Connecticut State University, and his grandfather was a Connecticut State Trooper.

“We’re very proud of our son,” said Mr Connor, Sr. “Roger is a kind of diverse guy. He was in the Navy for two years right after high school. He got his degree from Western in theater, and works in the city as production manager for Symphony Space on Broadway, then comes back to Newtown to staff with the ambulance crew. He puts a lot of miles on his car,” he said.

There is also a bittersweet element to his son’s receiving the Christopher Blackwell Award, said Mr Connor, Sr. “I knew Chris Blackwell, he was just a kid then, and I knew his dad, Don, who was a police officer in New Fairfield. It’s kind of interesting how everything comes around,” he noted.

“I had no idea I had even been nominated,” said a surprised and grateful Roger Connor, Jr, Thursday morning, May 20. “I am honored. Getting an award named after someone who gave it all in service is overwhelming,” he said.

He became an EMT to give back to the community that has been home to four generations of Connors, said Mr Connor, Jr, and served on the board for five years, as well. “I work in Manhattan and live in Queens, now, but I staff a 12-hour shift, 6 pm to 6 am, every Monday night in Newtown. It’s my community and Newtown Ambulance is composed of some really great fellow EMTs that I enjoy working with,” he said. “I’m just so honored to have received this award,” Mr Connor, Jr said.

Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Corps Chief Meghan Posey was thrilled to see one of her colleagues presented with the special award. “I think it’s wonderful,” she said. “Roger works on so many of our committees and contributes so much. He deserves it,” said Chief Posey.

“It’s always great to volunteer in your community,” said Linda Blackwell, Roger Connor, Jr’s, mother. “And it’s wonderful to be recognized for that, too,” she said. “I’m proud of him.”