MONROE, CT — All three of the town’s volunteer fire companies — Stepney, Monroe and Stevenson — came together for the annual awards banquet at The Waterview Friday on June 27, celebrating acts of courage, responses to the most emergency calls and the longevity of firefighters’ service to their community.
Monroe Fire Marshal William Davin, who is also president of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, recognized Melissa Catalano, president of the Ladies Auxiliary, for all of the work she does behind the scenes, and her husband, Monroe Fire Chief Kevin Catalano.
“Kevin Catalano took the helm of a ship that was sort of running aimlessly,” Davin said. “Chief, on behalf of the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department, we’d like to recognize you for your outstanding leadership, tireless work ethic and unwavering dedication.”
“Through his guidance and commitment, Chief Catalano has not only strengthened our fire department, but has also set an aspiring example to those who serve alongside of him,” Davin continued. “His steadfast focus on safety, service and community has made a lasting impact and we are grateful for everything he has done. Thank you chief and thank you for uplifting those around you.”
Davin also thanked Stevenson Fire Chief John Howe, Stepney Fire Chief Darren Dyson and Catalano for bringing all three departments together.
First Selectman Terry Rooney was among the guests. Rooney, whose father, Brian Rooney, is a former Bridgeport fire chief, recalled firefighters whose lives were lost in the act of duty. Whether fire calls occur in a city or a small town like Monroe, the first selectman said the danger is the same.
“I have seen the phenomenal job that these gentlemen and women do in the Monroe volunteer fire departments and it’s extremely impressive,” Rooney said from the podium, turning to the three fire chiefs behind him, he added, “and I’m extremely proud to be running this town and working next to you.”
Life saving actions
On the evening of January 4, 2025, first responders were called to Purdy Hill Road for the report of a two-car-collision with a fire and one person still in the car. When firefighters arrived at the scene, one of the cars was engulfed in flames.
“Fortunately, the driver had already been removed to safety and did not suffer serious injuries,” Catalano told guests at the dinner. “That was a direct result of a nearby resident, Sean Wollenberg, who after hearing the impact of the crash, jumped into action, risking his own safety to help remove the driver through the side window and away from his burning car.”
“Tonight, we’re pleased to have Sean and his family with us, and we present to him the Civilian Life Saving Award in recognition of his courageous and life saving actions on that evening,” Catalano said as a round of applause filled the dining room.
Monroe Volunteer Fire Department awards and recognition included:
Five Years of Service:
Firefighter Ben Brown
Firefighter Ryan Greer
Firefighter Matt Gill
Lt. Brock Butkovsky
Firefighter Adam Jacozzi
Firefighter Tyler Texiera
Other service milestones
Bill Thomas – 30 years
Robert Jones – 55 years
George Krize – 45 years
Mike Preston – 55 years
Annual Awards:
Chiefs’ Award for Outstanding Service: Max Damone
Firefighter of the Year Award: Adam Jacozzi
Member of the Year Award: Nik Picon
“Nik was our number two call responder, covered most overnight calls, frequently attends training sessions and weeknight duty crews,” Catalano said. “He became qualified to drive Engine 72, serves on our membership committee and is our assistant communications officer.”
Stepney Awards
Stepney Fire Chief Darren Dyson received the Unity and Leadership Award.
Stepney Deputy Fire Chief Mike Dunn, who presented the award, said it was “for helping rebuild the foundation of trust, respect and unity, not only within our department, but across the entire fire service in town.”
“And he didn’t stop there,” Dunn said. “He took the time to rebuild working relationships with Town Hall, opening lines of communication, fostering transparency and earning respect where it mattered most. This partnership has given us a stronger voice, better support and the confidence to keep moving forward It’s an honor to present the Unity and Leadership Award to Chief Darren Dyson.”
A new honor, the Rudolph C. Beers III Award for Meritorious Service, was presented at the dinner.
Beers joined the Stepney Fire Company in 1962 and went on to hold every line officer position with “unwavering dedication and distinction,” ultimately serving as chief from 1975 to 1980, according to Dyson.
“Beyond the foreground, he chaired the executive board for a decade and contributed tirelessly to numerous other committees,” Dyson said. “He consistently led by example, inspiring the same passion, excellence and selflessness. His name is synonymous with service, dedication and integrity. This is a very tough act to follow.”
“We do have a member that is quickly rising through the ranks, currently serving on the executive board, and actively contributing to numerous committees,” Dyson said. “He devotes significant time to the fire department. He spends many Saturday mornings promoting the department. There is not a special event he does not attend.”
“This member truly reflects the spirit of the award,” Dyson said. “The first recipient of the Rudolph C. Beers III Award for Meritorious Service is Mike Dunn.”
The Donald D. Rose Award for Valor, another new award for the Stepney Fire Company, is named in honor of the past chief who was “a firefighter, a leader, a veteran and a role model whose dedication and courage inspired generations, according to Dyson.
“This award will be presented to the bravest of the brave,” he said. “The recipient is a firefighter that battled many fires and worked through the most difficult of calls. There is no question in my mind who should receive the first year’s award. One individual truly personifies the bravery, dedication and strength this award represents. The first recipient of the Donald D. Rose Award for Valor is Scott C. Rose Sr.”
Among the factors to be Firefighter of the Year are attendance at calls, participation in drills, involvement in meetings, duty crew shifts and presence at special events, how a firefighter interacts with peers and with members of the public during calls, ambitions and performance within the department, especially on fire calls.
“One firefighter stands out in my mind, excelling in all areas,” Dyson said. “During a recent structure fire at the condominium complex, this firefighter showed a high level of courage by leading a crew that successfully stopped the fire from spreading to additional units, protecting lives and property.”
“We are all lucky to have this firefighter on our team,” he said. “The 2025 Stepney Firefighter of the Year is Samantha Kearney.”
Stepney’s Top 10 Responders were:
- Steve Ohradan (181)
- Samantha Kearney (180)
- Scott Rose Jr. (126)
- Emily Florin (123)
- Scott Rose Sr. (85)
- Stephen Rose (70)
- James Mace (48)
- Jack Dyson (29)
- Matthew Morgan (28)
- Kiran Mani (14)
Those recognized for Years of Service Awards include:
- 20 years: Joseph Dias, Samantha Kearney, Stephen Rose and Alfred Doty Jr.
- 25 years: James Mace and Scott Rose Jr.
- 30 years: Christopher Doyle
- 35 years: Carl Lewis
- 45 years: Scott Rose Jr.
- 50 years: Deborah Heim
- 55 years: Gregory Loehr and Roy White
- 60 years: Rudolph C. Beers III
Firefighters receiving helmet stickers for their years of service were:
- 5 years: Michael Dunn, Jack Dyson, Emily Florin, Stephen Ohradan and Blake Redston.
- 10 years: Matthew Morgan
- 20 years: Joseph Dias, Samantha Kearney, Stephen Rose and Alfred F. Doty Jr.
- 25 years: James Mace, Scott Rose Sr., Scott Rose Jr., Christopher Doyle and Carl Lewis.
75th Anniversary
Stevenson Fire Chief John Howe spoke about his fire company reaching the milestone of its 75th anniversary.
“This department has a proud history,” he said. “But what makes Stevenson special isn’t just the years — it’s the people. The dedication, the quiet service, the incredible talent in this room tonight … it’s what defines us.”
“We’re not a company that hands out a lot of awards — we never really have,” Howe said. “Tonight, I want to recognize some of the individuals who have gone above and beyond. These are the folks who show up, step up, and keep this department strong.”
The chief presented framed certificates and a gift card to every Stevenson firefighter at the dinner. Among those honored were: Deputy Chief Jeff Giordano, Assistant Chief Eric Christensen, Capt. Bobby Galbraith, Lt. Chris Moquin, Lt. Sam Kellogg, Engineer Matt Jamison, Past Chief-Safety Officer Bob Galbraith, Vice President Gary Czarnecke, and past deputy chiefs Jerri and Willy Wiley.
Stevenson firefighters recognized for their tenures include:
Over 25 years: David L. York (49), Willy Wiley (49), Geralyn Wiley (48), Donald Clark (38), Robert G. Galbraith (37), John Howe (27).
Over 20 years: Brian Greco (24), Geoffrey Giordano (24),
Over 15 years: Eric Christensen (nearly 17), Gary Czarnecke (nearly 17).
Over 10 years: Tom Woerner (12), Bobby W. Galbraith (11)
Over 5 years: Chris Moquin (8), Matthew Jamison (8), Sam Kellogg (nearly 7).
“Your time, your commitment, and your service make the town of Monroe — and the surrounding communities — a better, safer place to live,” Howe said. “I’m proud to serve beside each and every one of you. Here’s to 75 years of the Stevenson Volunteer Fire Company — and to the people who make it what it is. And finally, a heartfelt thank you to all the firefighters and support personnel from all three departments in town. Your dedication and partnership mean everything.”
