Halstead Inducted Into State Firefighters Hall Of Fame

By Shannon Hicks

Approximately 65 current and former members of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company were on hand Wednesday night when their chief, William Halstead, was inducted into the Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA) Hall of Fame.

Chief Halstead, a native of Sandy Hook, was one of 12 firefighters inducted into The Connecticut State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame during its third annual dinner, held April 6 at The Aqua Turf in Southington.

In addition to Chief Halstead, the Class of 2011 Inductees included Peter Beckwith of Manchester, the late Ernest Bunnell of Northfield (represented Wednesday evening by his son, Dave Bunnell), Robert Cady of Lebanon, Peter Carozza of Waterbury, James Doherty of Cheshire, the late Charles Freimuth of Terryville (represented by his son, Kevin), the late James Grote of Chester (represented by his wife, Rose), Andy Ouellette of Broad Brook, Peter Phelan of Milford, Raymond Shea of West Hartford, and Charles Stankye Jr of Derby. This year’s honorees were selected from more than 35 nominees submitted to the Hall of Fame committee, Nominating Committee Co-Chair William Coffey said last week.

“I don’t think there is a more deserving firefighter in Fairfield County, or even the state, for this [honor],” said Mr Coffey, who is co-chair, with Robert Guthrie, of the CSFA Hall Of Fame committee. “[Chief Halstead] fits all the criteria, that’s for sure.

“He’s more than just a good firefighter on paper, though,” continued Mr Coffey, who co-chairs the Hall of Fame committee with Robert Guthrie. “He is a good leader, a respected leader, and a good man.”

Chief Halstead’s entry into the Hall of Fame went beyond what the committee read on paper, however.

“I’ve known [Chief Halstead] for years. He is more than deserving of this. He has been a career firefighter for years, and he has continued to be a good leader,” Mr Coffey added.

Organizers said more than 500 people were expected for Wednesday’s event, which began with a cocktail hour and dinner before emcee Kevin Hogan began the ceremony. Mr Hogan had introduced each honoree before dinner, with the inductees or representatives making their way to the head table. Selection Committee Chairman Father Thomas Berberich offered the evening’s invocation, CSFA President Tom Murphy offered greetings, and the Connecticut Firefighters Pipes & Drums, with color guard, appeared.

For the ceremony, the career background of each honoree was read by Mr Hogan. Each inductee or representative was presented with a pin, plaque and certificate, and then each took a turn speaking at the podium.

Many honorees thanked their families for years of absences and, as one honoree stated, “Countless dinners that were allowed to get cold, and then warmed up, and then allowed to get cold again.” Reactions ranged, the men said, from being “humbled and overwhelmed” to “stunned” to learn they had been named to the CSFA Hall of Fame.

Many also tipped their hats to fellow firefighting colleagues.

“There is no better recognition than to receive an award of recognition from your peers,” Peter Carozza said in his remarks.

Not one for speeches, when it was his turn to speak Chief Halstead kept his remarks brief.

“I’d like to thank my daughter Karin and my assistant chief and best friend, Anthony Capozziello, for nominating me. Thank you to my family for being here tonight,” he said, naming daughter Krista and her boyfriend Rob Manna, and son Bill and fiancée Allison Loso. Chief Halstead also thanked Newtown Board of Fire Commissioners Chair Kevin Cragin for attending and supporting him.

“And thank you to my extended family,” Chief Halstead said, looking toward the six tables in one corner of the room that were occupied by his firefighters and Ladies Auxiliary members and guests.

The morning after the ceremony, the chief was a little more reflective.

“It’s very special,” Chief Halstead said.

“I think anyone who got this, to be honored by the Connecticut State Firefighters Association, which is a very large organization in the state — I am assuming every department in the state is involved one way or the other with this group — to be honored by them is pretty good recognition.”

The CSFA Hall of Fame was created in April 2009 to recognize and honor current and former members of organized fire departments, living and deceased, who have served their department and state organizations above and beyond normal expectations over an extended period of time. The inductees, according to CSFA, shall have additionally “contributed in a positive way to the enrichment of the fire service organizations they represented.” Honorees are recognized after being nominated by their peers in the fire service.

Chief Halstead joined Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue in 1965, when he turned 16. He has been its chief for 33 years, since 1978. During his tenure, he has also served as the company’s engineer, first engineer, second engineer, and assistant chief. He was named the company’s Outstanding Member of the Year in 2001.

He was also the assistant chief of the former Fairfield Hills Fire Department (1976–1980), and then served as its chief from 1980 until its dissolution in 1997. He was the Town of Newtown’s deputy fire marshal from 1984 to 2001, and has served as its fire marshal since 2001. He is active with the Fairfield Country Fire Chiefs Association, Connecticut State Firefighters Association, and Connecticut Parade Marshal Association, among other organizations.

When seeking nominations, the Hall of Fame committee begins with looking at a nominee’s accomplishments including ranks and positions, as well as any state and/or national fire service positions that have been held, and special awards that have already been given to the nominee. Nominations must come from peers. Chief Halstead was nominated for the CSFA honor by Anthony Capozziello, the assistant chief of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue, and Karin Halstead, the company’s EMS captain and one of the chief’s two daughters.

“He is very progressive in training and increasing the department’s capabilities to further help and protect the citizens of Sandy Hook,” Ms Halstead and Mr Capozziello wrote in part. “Bill has also ensured that the department is fully up to date in training, certifications and ever evolving techniques, making training twice a month a requirement.

“He continues to educate himself and the department by taking courses, [and] reading books and countless industry magazines. [He] always concerns himself with the safety of his members and residents.”

They also pointed out his continued work to improve communications and mutual aid between agencies, his involvement in setting up Newtown’s 911 and CodeRed systems, his oversight of Newtown’s Emergency Operations Center at Fairfield Hills, and his public outreach as Fire Marshal to keep Newtown’s residents warned of hazards and reminded of home and health safety.

The two additionally said that while Chief Halstead may have “a gruff exterior,” it is his compassion and sense of safety that has built “loyalty and respect … from the generations of firefighters who follow him into every situation.”

CSFA Hall of Fame members have their names permanently added to a plaque usually displayed at The Connecticut State Fire Academy in Windsor Locks. The Class of 2011 has already been added to that plaque, which was on display Wednesday night in Southington.Chief Halstead is the first firefighter from Newtown to be inducted into the CSFA Hall of Fame.