Sandy Hook Fire Department Celebrates 65 Years

By Dottie Evans

Saturday, May 17, was a night to remember as more than 100 members and at least two generations of Sandy Hook Fire Department responders sat down to dinner and an awards ceremony. Awards and dessert were followed by dancing until 1 am at the company firehouse on Riverside Road.

From cocktails and cheese to homemade chocolate chip cookies, the food was appreciated and the jokes were nonstop –– especially while emcee Bill Davin, fire chief for the town of Monroe, was holding the microphone. Mr Davin’s rowdy brand of humor was offset, however, by many serious and reflective moments.

One highpoint was the donation to the firehouse by Sue and Jim Schpunt of two framed posters titled “Never Forget” and “Then, Now, And Always.” They had been given to Mr Schpunt, who is now retired, by the state fire marshal for his office shortly after 9/11.

During dinner, the members were seated at round tables while they watched a slide show commemorating present and past members, including archival shots from The Newtown Bee, as well as humorous candid photos donated from several company albums and accompanied by appropriate headlines.

The award ceremony included presentation of the Firefighter Pins by Chief Bill Halstead, presentation of the Ladies Auxiliary Pins by Judi Richardson, presentation of Top Responders by Chief Halstead, Outstanding Member of the Year by BJ Halstead, Karin Halstead, Steve Stohl, and Ken Carlson, and Life Member Award by George Lockwood, Sr, and Bill Halstead.