The 2026 Mary Hawley Public Service Award will be presented this year to Newtown Hook & Ladder Chief Ray Corbo in recognition of his extraordinary commitment to public service and his lasting contributions to the Newtown community. The award will be presented during the Third Annual Mary Hawley Public Service Award ceremony on Thursday, September 24, at Edmond Town Hall.

The Mary Hawley Public Service Award honors individuals whose long-standing service and dedication reflect the selfless spirit of Mary Hawley and her enduring commitment to Newtown. Each year, the award recognizes community members who have made a meaningful and lasting impact through their community service and leadership.

This year's recipient, Raymond A. Corbo, has dedicated his life to serving the residents of Newtown.

For more than 38 years as a volunteer firefighter with Newtown Hook & Ladder Co #1, Corbo has embodied the values of leadership, compassion, and service above self. Corbo joined Newtown's oldest fire company when he was 16 years old. He is currently serving as chief for the third time, having led the company from 2004 until 2007, again from 2013 until 2017, and now since 2023.

Throughout his career, Corbo has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to public safety while fostering strong community relationships through youth mentorship, outreach initiatives, and volunteer leadership. His dedication has strengthened the fabric of Newtown and inspired countless others to become engaged in service to their community.

Corbo's favorite part of being part of his hometown fire company, he told The Newtown Bee upon announcement of the award last month, is serving the community.

He said it is “very rewarding” to be able to help his community.

“You see some people in pretty bad events in their life and it’s nice to be able to at least try to help,” he explained.

Corbo is also a captain with Waterbury Fire Department and a US Marine Corps veteran. He and his wife and son live in Newtown.

The Mary Hawley Public Service Award was first presented in 2023 to Gordon Williams, and last year to Lee Paulsen.

Community members are invited to join in celebrating Corbo's achievements at this year’s award presentation on Thursday, September 24, from 5 to 7 pm, at Edmond Town Hall, 45 Main Street.

Reservations are requested by September 18, and can be made by contacting Julia Douglas at 203-426-4440 extension 3042 or community@nsbonline.com.