Local firefighters celebrated new faces and new roles earlier this month at the Avon Volunteer Fire Department’s annual meeting.
At the event, the AVFD recognized the promotions of two lieutenants to captain, three firefighters to lieutenant, two membersโ completion of the Connecticut Fire Police Certification class, the election of a new member to the AVFD Board of Directors, and the oath of membership for one new member.
โIt is my honor to officially recognize the promotions of four officers. They have each worked hard to earn their new roles, and the department is lucky to have their leadership,โ said AVFD Chief Bruce Appell. โI am proud to offer my congratulations to our newly-certified fire police members and new Board member, as well as welcome another new volunteer.โ
Lieutenants Promoted to Captain:
Capt. Adriane Wright joined the AVFD in 2018. In 2019 she was named “Firefighter of the Year,” and in 2021 she was promoted to lieutenant. Wright has served as Assistant Lead Advisor to the AVFD Explorers and has completed Firefighter II and Fire Officer II certifications.
AVFD Fire Police Capt. Peter Tedone joined the AVFD in 2021. He was promoted to fire police lieutenant in 2023. As a fire police captain, Tedone will oversee department safety and scene accountability.
Firefighters Promoted to Lieutenant:
Lt. Michael Galliher joined the AVFD in 2006. He has served on the Board of Directors and held the positions of Vice President and President. Galliher is an engineer at Co. 4 and an AVFD Explorer Advisor. He has completed his Firefighter II certification.
Lt. Sam Schwarzhaupt joined the AVFD as an Explorer in 2016. He served as Explorer Lieutenant and received the Explorer of the Year Award in 2019. Schwarzhaupt has completed his firefighter I certification.
Lt. Ryan Wilson joined the AVFD in 2021, having received his Firefighter I and II certifications in North Carolina in 2018.
Completed Connecticut Fire Police Certification Class:
Fire police members Gabrielle Liquori and David Harris, who both joined the AVFD in 2024, completed the Connecticut Fire Police certification class.
Avon Volunteer Fire Police are specialized personnel who go through detailed training to provide firefighters with an environment that is safe from external sources and to provide traffic control assistance at motor vehicle incidents. They provide valuable firefighter rehabilitation support at training exercises and on emergency scenes.
In addition, fire police can be seen assisting with parking at polling places and helping pedestrians safely cross Country Club Road to attend the Avon Free Public Libraryโs summer Farmers Markets. โ
Elected the Board of Directors:
Firefighter Christina Adajian was elected to the AVFD Board of Directors. Adajian joined the AVFD in 2021 and has also been a member of the recruitment & retention and communications committees.
Joined the AVFD:
Laura Ward joined the AVFD as an administrative member focused on the department’s public relations. She previously supported the department in a similar role as a consultant from 2008-19.
