AVFD Prepares for 75th Anniversary, Will Host 2018 Firefighters Convention & Parade

AVON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT PREPARES FOR 75TH ANNIVERSARY

Department to Host State Firefighters Convention and Parade in 2018

 

October 6, 2016 | Avon, CT – While still more than a year away, the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD) is already preparing for 2018. That’s when the Department will celebrate its 75th anniversary.

There’s much to be done, and a committee is hard at work planning events for nearly every month of the year. Historians are compiling an exhibit for the Avon Free Public Library. There will be a gala, a muster, a 5K, and other festivities – all so the entire community has an opportunity to embrace and celebrate the men and women who have voluntarily given tirelessly of themselves over the past 75 years to protect the lives and property of the citizens of Avon.

The main event marking the AVFD’s 75th anniversary will be its hosting of the 135th Annual Connecticut State Firefighters Association Convention and Parade.

convention-photo

“We are honored to have been selected by the Connecticut State Firefighters Association to host its annual convention and parade in honor of our 75th anniversary,” says AVFD Chief Michael Trick. “Aside from celebrating with our own neighbors at different commemorative events throughout the year, there isn’t a more fitting way to mark this incredible milestone than to invite our colleagues from around the state to come spend some time with us here in Avon.”

The 135th Annual Connecticut State Firefighters Association Convention and Parade will take place from Friday, September 14-Sunday, September 16, 2018. The weekend’s events will kick off on Friday morning with an Executive Luncheon held at George’s Pizza & Restaurant in Unionville at 11:30. There will be an Irregulars Dinner meeting at AVFD Company 1 (25 Darling Drive) that evening at 6:30.

On Saturday, the Convention meeting will take place at Avon High School (510 West Avon Road). Following the meeting will be a President’s Reception at Company 1.

On Sunday, a parade will step off promptly at noon. Line up will begin at 8:00 a.m. at Avon High School, and the parade route will follow West Avon Road South to Thompson Road and end at the M.H. Rhodes property across from Thompson Brook School. Shuttle buses will run from Thompson Brook School to Avon High School from 8:30-11:45 a.m.

As plans come together for the 75th anniversary events, the AVFD will keep the community informed via its website (www.avonvfd.org) and Facebook page (www.facebook.com/AvonVFD).

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.

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Pictured at the 2016 Connecticut State Firefighters Convention in September are (left to right): Robert Theriault, Mark Wilson, Joseph (PJ) Piccirillo, Steve McMahon, Jen Reeser, Brian Baldwin, Retired Chief Harvey Reeser, and Captain Dave Theriault.