Two of Ansonia’s finest, one it’s bravest and an emergency medical technician were honored by city Rotarians Tuesday at its 11th Annual Civic Service Recognition Awards at John J. Sullivan’s Restaurant.
The four honorees were Ansonia police officers Detective Gerald Tenney and Lt. Wayne Williams, Ansonia Assistant Fire Chief Edward J. Adamowski and emergency medical technician Joseph Perrotti.
Ansonia Rotary Club Past President Suzanne Reilly said Police Chief Kevin Hale, Fire Chief Michael Eheman and Ansonia Rescue Medical Services Chief David Geloso nominated the men.
“Criteria for the award required excellence in the areas of initiative, appearance, attitude dependability, job performance and job knowledge,” she said.
Det. Tenney has been a DARE teacher officer for 20 years, in addition to a block watch coordinator.
Hale said Tenney shows great talent dealing with juveniles and adults in crisis and takes initiative on his assignments.
Tenney said the award is about being a good father to his family and a strong role model in the community.
“It is nice when hard work is being rewarded and I will continue to do a great job for the city,” he said.
Hale said Lt. Williams, a 19-year veteran with the department, is “extremely dedicated” to his profession as Operations Commander. Hale called him resourceful and reliable.
“I am very pleased to say that both Lt. Williams and Det. Tenney are very deserving of this award,” Hale said.
Eheman, the city’s fire chief, said Adamowski has served on the Ansonia Fire Department since 1994 at Eagle Hose Co.
Adamowski began as a truck floor steward and rose through the ranks of 3rd Lt. in 2002, Captain in 2008 and Assistant Chief in 2009.
Adamowski is also running for Alderman in his ward.
“Ed is a very active and reliable member of the department,” Eheman said. “He is a confident firefighter, a trustworthy friend, a dedicated dad and a community leader.”
Adamowski said he was grateful to Eheman, and thankful to his three daughters and his parents for their support.
“My family and fellow firemen supported me all along the way,” he said.
Geloso said Perrotti, 21, graduated Ansonia High School in 2006 and changed his interest from football to become a firefighter and EMT with ARMS.
This month Perrotti passed the National Medical Emergency Medical Technician certification.
Perrotti has also been recognized as by ARMS officers for being a team player during two cardiac arrest calls.
“He (Perrotti) continues to go above and beyond, giving up free time sleep and a social life to help our service meet the needs of the community,” Geloso said.
Perrotti called the award an honor, noting that volunteers don’t always get recognized.
“When an organization gives us a nice dinner and an award, it is greatly appreaciated and means a lot to all of us,” he said.
The Rotary Club of Ansonia is currently participating in a worldwide effort to eradicate Polio in Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Nigeria through a $355 million grant from the Gates Foundation.
Rotary also sponsors an annual $1500 scholarship for Ansonia High School seniors and is currently working on a park improvement project on Bridge Street.
Secretary Harry DiAdamo said the central focus of the organization is “service above self,” a perfect description of police officers, firefighters and EMTs.
“We want to honor that in the community,” he said.
