During the annual company meeting on June 5, the membership of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company, Inc, elected its firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018.Outstanding Member

Chief Bill Halstead will be entering his 40th year as head of the company. Also leading the firefighting branch will be Assistant Chief Anthony Capozziello, First Assistant Chief Mike Burton, Sr, Second Assistant Chief Ryan Clark, Captain Kevin Stoyak, Lieutenant Andy Ryan, First Engineer Matt Dobson, and Second Engineer Tim Whelan.

The company's engineers for the next term will be Scott Allen; Stephen Clark, Sean Donnelly, Brian Engelke, Erica Knapp, George Lockwood, Jr, John Moore, and Randy Mullear. EMS Captain will again be Karin Halstead.

The administrative branch will again be President Brad Richardson, who is entering his 17th term in this position; Vice President Archie Paloian; Treasurer Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer John Jeltema; Secretary Shannon Will; and Commissioner Tim Whelan.

Also on Monday, it was announced that Second Assistant Chief Ryan Clark had been selected as the company's Firefighter of the Year.

In announcing its selection, the Outstanding Member Committee cited Mr Clark for being "a tremendous aid" to others in the company for a number of years.

Mr Clark joined Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue in 2005. His interest in joining the company, the committee pointed out, "was like all others: he wanted to help others and make a difference."

After taking the required classes to become an active member of the company, Mr Clark then became a certified medical rescue technician.

"That allowed him another avenue to help others," Outstanding Member Committee member Chuck Kilson said Monday evening.

Mr Clark became an engineer with SHVFR in 2009. He has since advanced to lieutenant, captain, and his current rank, which he has held since July 2014. Mr Clark is also chair of the fire company's Membership Committee. In that capacity, he and others meet with those interested in joining the company, and then guide them through their probationary periods.

"His personality allows new members to feel accepted," Mr Kilson said. "That aspect of him also allows him to work with others at fire scenes equally."

When his name was announced as the recipient of this year's award, Mr Clark was given a standing ovation by his fellow company members. He was given a plaque, and his name will be added to the Outstanding Firefighter plaque at Sandy Hook's main station on Riverside Road.

Inaugurated in 1998, Firefighter of the Year is named annually to recognize the significant contributions, achievements and long-term dedication of an individual. Names of nominees are given to a committee by peers. Performance of duties, motivation, teamwork, and leadership go into determining the award recipient.