PERSONNEL NEWS FROM THE AVON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT 

Chief Bruce Appell Announces Officer Promotions, Certification Completions, a Board Election, and a New Member  

April 23, 2025 | Avon, Conn. — The Avon Volunteer Fire Department recently recognized the promotions of two Lieutenants to Captain, three firefighters to Lieutenant, two members’ completion of the Connecticut Fire Police Certification class, the election of a new Board of Directors member, and the oath of membership for one new member.

“It is my honor to officially recognize the promotions of four officers – they have each worked hard to earn their new roles and the Department is lucky to have their leadership,” said Avon Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bruce Appell. “I am proud to offer my congratulations to our newly-certified fire police members and new Board member, as well as welcome another new volunteer.”

Lieutenants Promoted to Captain

Captain Adriane Wright joined the AVFD in 2018. In 2019 she was named Firefighter of the Year, and in 2021 she was promoted to Lieutenant. Wright has served as Assistant Lead Advisor to the AVFD Explorers. She has completed Firefighter II and Fire Officer II certifications.

Fire Police Captain Peter Tedone joined the AVFD in 2021. He was promoted to Fire Police Lieutenant in 2023. As Fire Police Captain, Tedone will oversee Department safety and scene accountability.

Firefighters Promoted to Lieutenant

Lieutenant Michael Galliher joined the AVFD in 2006. He has served on the Board of Directors and held the positions of Vice President and President. Galliher is an Engineer at Company 4 and an AVFD Explorer Advisor. He has completed his Firefighter II certification.

Lieutenant Sam Schwarzhaupt joined the AVFD as an Explorer in 2016. He served as Explorer Lieutenant and received the Explorer of the Year Award in 2019. Schwarzhaupt has completed his Firefighter I certification.

Lieutenant Ryan Wilson joined the AVFD in 2021, having received his Firefighter I and II certifications in North Carolina in 2018.

Completed Connecticut Fire Police Certification Class 

Fire Police members Gabrielle Liquori and David Harris, who both joined the AVFD in 2024, completed the Connecticut Fire Police certification class. Avon Volunteer Fire Police are specialized personnel who go through detailed training to provide firefighters with an environment that is safe from external sources, and to provide traffic control assistance at motor vehicle incidents. They provide valuable firefighter rehabilitation support at training exercises and on emergency scenes. In addition, our Fire Police can be seen assisting with parking at polling places and helping pedestrians safely cross Country Club Road to attend the Avon Free Public Library’s summer Farmers Markets. ⠀

Elected the Board of Directors

Firefighter Christina Adajian was elected to the AVFD Board of Directors. Adajian joined the AVFD in 2021 and has also been a valuable member of the Recruitment & Retention and Communications committees. 

Joined the AVFD

Laura Ward joined the AVFD as an administrative member focused on Department public relations. She previously supported the Department in a similar role as a consultant from 2008-2019.

About the AVFD

Incorporated in 1943, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department proudly protects nearly 20,000 people living in the 23 square mile area that makes up the Town of Avon. The Department’s mission is to provide fire suppression and prevention, life safety and rescue support, as well as other community support to the citizens of the Town of Avon. In addition, the Department provides mutual aid support to those surrounding communities that, in time of need, may request such assistance.

Staffed entirely by volunteers, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department prides itself on the selflessness and dedication of its members. The Department operates six companies and 15 pieces of apparatus, including a brush truck, ladder truck, tanker, rescue vehicle, boat, and pumpers. Four stations are located throughout Town – Company 1 on Darling Drive, Company 2 on Secret Lake Road, Company 3 on West Avon Road, and Company 4 on Huckleberry Hill Road. Anyone interested in learning more about the AVFD should call the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) at 677-2644, visit www.AvonVFD.org, connect on Facebook and Instagram at AvonVFD, or stop by the Company 1 firehouse located at 25 Darling Drive any Monday evening after 7:00.

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