AVFD Announces Promotions, New Members, and More

Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) Chief Michael Trick proudly announces the achievements of several members.

Firefighter Mark Wilson has been promoted to Lieutenant.

Avery Turner has been promoted to Captain in the AVFD Explorer program. Explorers are youth members, 14-21 years of age, who provide support services at emergency scenes.

Firefighter Ben Roland passed his Firefighter 1 examination.

Firefighters Luis Lema and Steve DelGallo earned their 2Q fire apparatus driver’s license endorsement, qualifying them to operate certain pieces of apparatus.

Fire Police Captain Ken Sedlak, Firefighter Christian Becker, and Explorer Captain Avery Turner each received Challenge Coins. Established by Chief Trick in 2011, Challenge Coins recognize AVFD members who go the extra step for the Department. On the weekend of the AVFD 75th Anniversary Carnival and Food Truck Festival and 135th Connecticut State Firefighters Convention and Parade, Fire Police Captain Ken Sedlak was assigned the job of accountability officer. Captain Sedlak logged hundreds of staff and visitors over the course of three days, during all times of day and night, and with very little relief. That same weekend Explorer Avery Turner was assigned the job on Explorer coordinator and general duty runner. Throughout the weekend, he moved Explorers around the celebration area to cover assignments, assist handicap visitors, adjust supplies and materials, and remove trash. He was called for assistance numerous times and responded quickly and without question to all requests.

Firefighter John Ryan was elected secretary of the AVFD Board of Directors.

Firefighter Andy Ozmun was elected as Committee Executive of the AVFD Board of Directors.

Firefighter Ray Crozier was voted onto the AVFD Board of Directors.

Maggie Light, Mike Light, Jake O’Malley, and Ben Roland were all sworn in as regular members of the AVFD.

About the AVFD

Incorporated in 1943, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department proudly protects more than 18,000 people living in the 22.6 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 at AvonVFD, or stop by the Company 1 firehouse located at 25 Darling Drive any Monday evening after 7:00.