MONROE,CT — Twin brothers Anthony and Brian Giordano both served as junior firefighters for the Stevenson Volunteer Fire Department in town, joining at age 14. Now they are taking the Firefighter 1 course at the Connecticut Fire Academy to become full members of the fire company.
The Masuk High School graduates were also active in their school’s award winning robotics program.
On Tuesday night, the Monroe Chamber of Commerce awarded each brother a $1,000 scholarship during its annual meeting at Jennie’s Pizzeria.
Anthony will pursue a degree in engineering from the University of Connecticut and Brian will study computer science at UConn.
“These gentlemen are very much ingrained in the safety of our town as they are committed and dedicated to the volunteer fire company of Stevenson,” Monroe Chamber President Ray Giovanni said, while presenting the scholarships. “So we’re going to have two marvelous guys at UConn representing Monroe this fall.”
Stevenson Fire Chief John Howe wrote letters of recommendation for both young men.
While a junior firefighter, Howe said Anthony was elected captain of the Junior Corps, which provides support for senior firefighters. Howe said other junior firefighters looked to Anthony for his leadership and guidance because of his set of skills.
“He’s always making sure others are safe and did it with a smile all the way through,” Giovanni said while reading the letter.
Anthony logged over 1,000 hours of community service and played the cello in the Masuk Orchestra.
Anthony participates in many community events, such as delivering presents to families during the holiday season. He helps educate the community on the fire department and fire safety, Giovanni said.
Brian has done everything asked of a junior firefighter and participates in training to learn more about fire safety from the academy. He also served as a member of the Masuk Fire Brigade, ensuring everyone is safe during emergencies.
Howe describes him as a mature individual with his leadership skills, and as someone who is always willing to help others, adding his integrity and work ethic speaks volumes. Howe also touted Brian’s convictions to reach a higher level and called him a marvelous motivator.
Brian has been a leader of VEX Robotics, the program Masuk provides, creating code and helping to build robots for his team and the middle school team.
The Giordanos’ proud parents, Geoffrey and Kathy, attended the Monroe Chamber dinner. Geoff serves as assistant chief of the Stevenson Fire Co.
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