Mayor Anita Dugatto and the Derby Board of Aldermen Thursday honored Raymond “Bud” Allen, Jr. as the city’s 2015 Citizen of the Year.
Allen, who turns 90 on Sunday, was clearly thrilled, as was his large contingent of family on hand at the Derby Board of Aldermen meeting in City Hall, where Allen received his honors.
Allen is a 62-year-member of the Hotchkiss Hose Co. in Derby. He served as Derby fire police for more than 30 years, including 15 years as captain.
He was an integral member of the Derby-Shelton Memorial Day Association, and served twice as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
Allen is a 32-year member of the Pyramid Shriners No. 9 in Stratford, and has made more than 300 trips taking kids to the Shriners Hospitals for Children for medical assistance.
He was also a 13-year cubmaster at Troop 9 in Derby.
He lives with his wife, Sandy, in Derby. His is the father to Raymond Allen III, Stephen Allen, Shawn Allen, Ross Allen and Heidi Allen. He is step-father to Billy Clark, Suzanne Dana, Taft Clark and Frank Clark.
Allen has 15 grandchildren, one great-grandchild, with another great-grandchild on the way.
