PERSONNEL NEWS FROM THE AVON VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT
Chief Bruce Appell Announces Promotions, Certification Completions, Awards, and New Members
June 23, 2026 | Avon, Conn. — The Avon Volunteer Fire Department recently recognized the promotion of three department officers, three members’ completion of firefighter certifications, four members’ 20-plus years of service, and welcomed new members.
“It is my honor to recognize the achievements and dedication of our members,” said Avon Volunteer Fire Department Chief Bruce Appell. “From promotions and certifications to years of service and new member milestones, these accomplishments reflect the commitment, professionalism, and volunteer spirit that make our department strong.”
Promotions
- Lieutenant Michael Galliher has been promoted to Captain
- Firefighter Garrett Long has been promoted to Lieutenant
- Fire Police member Jamison Appell has been promoted to Lieutenant
Firefighter I Certifications
- Ariel Mazara
- Doug Tran
- Daniel Lake
20+ Years as AVFD Fire Police
- Dennis Bianchi
- Jay McCaffrey
- Jack McGuire
- Robert Theriault
Joined the AVFD
- Lara Milhero (Firefighter), Matthew Dileo (Support Firefighter), and Sandy Austin Goldstein (Headquarters) all took their membership oaths at recent AVFD Corporation Meetings.
- Zoey Hatinen became a regular member (Support Firefighter) having served as an Explorer.
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.
