It was during the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company annual meeting on June 3 that company members learned their Second Assistant Chief, Andrew Ryan, had been selected as the 2019 Outstanding Member of the Year.

Mr Ryan has been a member of SHVFR since January 2011. He has moved up the ranks, serving as Engineer, Lieutenant and his current position, which he has held since July 2018.

Chuck Kilson, a member of the SHVFR Outstanding Member Committee, read from a prepared statement.

“After probation the member has become a very successful firefighter, showing to the membership what it takes to be above and beyond a typical member,” Mr Kilson said. Steve Stohl, who is also on the committee, joined Mr Kilson for the presentation. 

“In doing so, all levels of training have been completed so his advancement in the company can be accomplished, and without question what he has learned can be of benefit to the company,” Mr Kilson added.

In addition to officer positions, Mr Ryan is a former advisor for the company’s Junior Corps and is currently a member of SHVFR’s Christmas Tree Sales Committee. He is also responsible for the company's fire reporting system, which he took over in September 2018. This job requires constant data entry for company record-keeping following every incident the company responds to.

Upon the announcement of his name, Mr Ryan was given a standing ovation by the 40-plus fellow members in the meeting room.

SHVFR has been naming an Outstanding Member of the Year since 1998. The annual award recognizes significant contributions, achievements and long-term dedication of an individual. Performance of duties, motivation, teamwork, and leadership go into determining the award recipient.

The names of nominees are submitted to a committee by peers. Each year’s winner is presented with a plaque, and also has their name added to a plaque at the SHVFR main station.