Two Volunteers Who Went

Beyond The Call

To the Editor:

The Board of Selectmen wishes to express our thanks and sincere appreciation to two outstanding community volunteers for loyal service over decades of time: Bill Lavery and Kevin Cragin. Over the past few weeks, both Bill and Kevin decided to step down from long-held roles on important commissions.

Justice Lavery left the Board of Trustees of the C.H. Booth Library on which he sat for more than 20 years, serving for many of those years as the board’s president. His advocacy for the library helped this outstanding facility grow in programs, services, and even in bricks and mortar. Year after year, Bill gave voice to the needs of the library at budget meetings at every level of government. He was the perfect spokesperson for our library and we are fairly well convinced that were it not for his stature and efforts, this institution would not be the important community resource it is today. Much of what is good and right with the library happened under his watch. There is no doubt that C.H. Booth Library will continue to prosper. The Board of Directors is chock-full of committed, talented leaders who work tirelessly for the library’s benefit. It is important to remember however, that their work is built upon the solid foundation established by the likes of Justice Lavery.

Kevin Cragin is leaving an indelible mark made through decades-long service to our community as citizen member and chair of the Board of Fire Commissioners. His fingerprints are on every program and policy developed to support and benefit volunteer firefighters adopted by the town over many years. Mention the firefighter life insurance and pension program; it is Kevin who brought that program to our town. How about the compensation for service calls (as meager as it is)? Again, Kevin Cragin saw the need and found the way to make it happen. As recently as this past year, Kevin spoke out with passion and conviction that these benefits for firefighters are intended for the “boots on the ground,” the responders, and not those, like he, who make up the boards or commissions. For more than two decades, Kevin was the constant, careful, and informed advocate for members of the fire services. His efforts led to better funding for equipment, supplies, and training. Year after year, Kevin was the petitioner on behalf of our fire services. He served our community well. Our emergency services benefited from his loyalty and dedication. Let’s be sure to thank him for a job well done! And thank him, too, for remaining on the board in support of the new leadership.

Regards,

Patricia Llodra, First Selectman

Will Rodgers, Selectman

Jim Gaston, Selectman

3 Primrose Street, Newtown                                  October 24, 2012