The Thirteenth Annual Salute to Connecticut’s Finest, sponsored by the Connecticut District Exchange Clubs, was held on Thursday, October 21st at the Aqua Turf in Plainville. Shelton Firefighter Robert Simon was honored by the Shelton Exchange Club.
He was chosen as Firefighter of the Year for his dedication, work ethic and pride.
Firefighter Simon has been a volunteer firefighter for the Huntington Fire Company #3, which is part of the Shelton Fire Department, for the last eight years. Firefighter Simon is a dedicated father and husband who has given up many hours with his family to be a firefighter. His dedication and work ethic has driven him to further his education and receive his certification in Firefighter 1 and 2 and to continue moving on to be a certified Fire Instructor. He also assists with the company training doing hours of research on training topics to be taught.
He has the philosophy that giving back is just as important as continuing your education. Firefighter Simon spends countless hours researching the latest fire equipment which benefits the Shelton Fire Department and received the department’s Distinguished Service Award in 2009. He is always willing to lend a helping hand whether it is organizing the Shelton Fire Department Truck Rodeo, assisting with Fire Prevention at local schools or planting flowers around the station earning him the company’s Service Appreciation Award in 2003 and 2007. His pride and dedication puts him a step above the rest.
Each year, the Shelton Exchange Club chooses an outstanding firefighter who exemplifies actions that go way above and beyond the call of duty. Salute to Connecticut’s Finest program is designed to honor men and women who are firefighters. The award serves as a magnifying glass which enables the public to see a clearer view of what firefighting is all about.
The Shelton Exchange Club meets the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at Brownson Country Club from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm. Meetings begin at 7:00 pm. New members are always welcome. For more information, or to attend an upcoming dinner meeting as a guest, call Tom Turner at 203 – 257-9083.
Exchange is an all-volunteer, national service organization for men and women who want to serve their community, develop leadership skills and enjoy new friendships. Made up of more than 700 clubs and more than 22,000 members throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, Exchange promotes programs of service in Americanism, community service, youth activities, and its national project, the Prevention of Child Abuse. For membership information, visit Shelton Exchange Club on Facebook or call Tom Turner 203 – 257-9083. For National Exchange Club information, visit www.nationalexchangeclub.org.
