Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company conducted its annual meeting on June 7. During the Monday evening meeting, officer elections were conducted and Bruce S. Clark was named the 2021 Outstanding Member of the Year.

Clark was a member of SHVFR during the 1980s. Following a break, he returned in 2018 as an Exterior Firefighter. He is currently the company’s Second Engineer.

The committee that selected Clark cited his excellent attendance at drills, calls, work sessions, and training as being among the reasons for his selection for the honor.

“This person is always willing to help anyone, at a moment’s notice. He always offers to lend a hand,” committee member Steve Stohl also said during the announcement.

Clark also serves as chair of the company’s Membership Committee.

His sons, Ryan and Stephen, are also members of SHVFR.

Clark’s name will be added to a plaque at the fire company’s main station that already contains the names of those honored since the inception of the annual honor in 1998. He was given a standing ovation upon the announcement of being named this year’s Outstanding Member, and also presented with a plaque.

Officers Elected

During the June 7 meeting, the following were voted into Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022:

Firefighting Branch — Chief, Bill Halstead, who will be entering his 44th year in that position; Deputy Chief, Anthony Capozziello; First Assistant Chief, Ryan Clark; Second Assistant Chief, Andy Ryan; Captain, Rob Sibley; Lieutenant, Stephen Clark; First Engineer, Tim Whelan; Second Engineer, Bruce Clark; EMS Captain, Karin Halstead; and Engineers: Scott Allen, Brian Engelke, Craig Kampmier, Kyle Keeping, Erica Knapp, John Moore, Leslie Richards, and Steven Stohl; and

Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, entering his 21st year in that position; Vice President: Archie Paloian; Secretary: Shannon Will; Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema; and Commissioner: Tim Whelan.