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"This is us right here. Everybody is here, we have our families here, volunteer and paid staff working together. That’s what this department is about. I grew up in Bridgeport and came to New Canaan—and that in itself is a success story, quite frankly—but they gave me the opportunity. They hired me when I was 22, and you still don’t know anything when you’re 22. My captain at the time, Angelo Gesualdi, who unfortunately wasn’t able to make it tonight, he basically took me basically from a child and turned me into the firefighter and person that I am now. He managed to push and push me, and after being in the department eight years, I made lieutenant. Then I got 14 years on and I’m captain. These guys here, they work with you and you know you’re not alone. We’re a family and I cannot say enough good things about them." — New Canaan Fire Capt. Michael Baker at his Jan. 13, 2015 swearing-in ceremony at Lapham Community Center following a promotion from lieutenant. Here is Town Clerk Claudia Weber swearing him in while his wife Heather Trocola looks on, as well as parents Gary and Janet Baker, and New Canaan Fire Chief Jack Hennessey. Credit: Michael Dinan
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Firefighter Jim Pickering, center, was honored during a Jan. 13, 2015 ceremony at Lapham Community Center. Fire Chief Jack Hennessey is pictured at left, with Pickering's family in the foreground. Part of the Fire Commission citation for Pickering reads: "Since 2012, Firefighter James Pickering has dedicated time and effort to obtaining hundreds of carbon monoxide and smoke detectors for residents of the town of New Canaan. We know that smoke detectors save lives. The same is true for carbon monoxide detectors. The mission of the fire service is to protect life and property from fire—these detectors do just that. Through Jim's tireless efforts, hundreds of homes now have these new life safety devices installed at no cost to the homeowner, increasing the home safety of hundreds of our residents." Credit: Michael Dinan
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"The guys have been helping me fit in. I learned a lot at the academy, but in the short five months that I’ve been here, I’ve learned twice as much. There’s a lot of great leadership. I feel that I’ve gained 23 brothers."—New Canaan Firefighter Damien Sheerin at his swearing-in the ceremony, held Jan. 13, 2015 at Lapham Community Center. Here's Town Clerk Claudia Weber swearing in Sheerin while Fire Chief Jack Hennessey looks on and his wife Gillian holds daughter Lylah nearby. The Sheerins' baby son Dylan also was in attendance in the Douglas Room. Credit: Michael Dinan
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Deputy Fire Marshall Bill Dingee (right) was honored for 21 years of service in his position, during a Jan. 13, 2015 ceremony at Lapham Community Center. Here he is with Fire Chief Jack Hennessey (left) and Fire Marshal Fred Baker. “We want to thank him for his service,” Baker said. Dingee’s plaque reads, in part: “Presented to William R. Dingee in recognition and appreciation for your 21 years of dedicated service as deputy fire marshal in the town of New Canaan.” Credit: Michael Dinan
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"Coming from St. Louis to the East Coast, I expected everyone to have an attitude and be kind of jerky. The New Canaan Fire Department is full of the nicest, most welcoming people I’ve ever met. I almost feel bad, because in St. Louis we wouldn’t treat our new guys half as well as they’ve treated me." — New Canaan Firefighter Brian Doane at his Jan. 13, 2015 swearing-in ceremony at Lapham Community Center. Here is Town Clerk Claudia Weber swearing him in while his wife Jennifer and son Trevor look on, with Fire Chief Jack Hennessey standing behind the family. Credit: Michael Dinan
