The Connecticut State Firefighters Association, Hall of Fame Award is to recognize present and former members of an organized Fire Department that have served both their Fire Department, County and/or State-wide Fire Service Organizations above and beyond normal expectations, over an extended period of time. Inductees shall have demonstrated both leadership and motivation, for the betterment of the Fire Service, throughout Connecticut and the United States. These persons shall have contributed, in a positive way, to the enrichment of the
organizations that they represented.

Not only is the goal of this award to recognize those leaders, as outlined above, but also to encourage young people to join the Fire Service, both career and volunteer, and to continue to provide leadership and experience, throughout their Firefighting years. Also, to serve as a means of educating and informing the public about the important and indispensable service and protection that the Fire Service provides for the citizens of our communities, state and nation.

Connecticut State Firefighters Association Hall of Fame Class of 2016

Fred Dudek, Jr.

Fred Dudek, Jr., a longtime member of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Department, has held the Officer ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Assistant Chief and Chief, having served in that capacity for 16 years.

Chief Dudek, a member of the Connecticut State Fire Chiefs Association, served that organization as their President and then as the Manager of their very successful Volunteer Workforce Solutions Program.

A certified Connecticut Fire Academy Instructor, he also served on the Board of the Middlesex County Fire School.  He is also a Past President of the Valley Shore Emergency Communications System and the Middlesex County Fire Chiefs Association.

Named as Killingworth’s Citizen of the Year, in 1991, he also served the state as a Commissioner on the E911 Commission.

Laurence Ford

Laurence Ford was a member of the Redding Fire & EMS Company for 75 years.  During those many years, he held the rank of Captain, from 1940 through 1948 and was also an Emergency Medical Technician.  He also served as their Fire Marshal, beginning in 1948.

Very active at the state level, Ford was the state’s Fire Service Coordinator from 1962 through 1973, was the Director of Fire Training Programs for the Connecticut State Technical Colleges, sat on the Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, was a member of the State Codes and Standards Board and was one of the original members of the Connecticut EMS Advisory Board.

“Larry” Ford was a Founder, Charter Member and President of the Connecticut Firemen’s Historical Society and worked with great effort in the creation of their Connecticut State Fire Museum, in Manchester.

He was also very active with the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, working as their Vice President, President and Educational Committee Member.

Additionally, he was a member of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, the Connecticut Fire Service Instructors Association, the New England Association of Fire Chiefs, the New England Association of Fire Marshals, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Service Instructors.

James E. Kiley

James E. “Mickey” Kiley was a member of the Volunteer Fire Service for 28 years.  He joined the West Hartford Fire Department in 1949 and then, in 1954, he became a member of the Newington Fire Department, where he served until 1977 and had achieved the rank of Assistant Chief.  From 1968 through 1980, he worked as the Fire Marshal for Hartford’s Mount Sinai Hospital.  Also, from 1973-1981, he was a Fire Inspector for the state’s Department of Public Safety’s Bureau of the State Fire Marshal.

“Mickey”, who also filled the role of being the Hartford County Fire Coordinator, was a Connecticut State Fire Service Instructor, teaching at both the Eastern Connecticut (Willimantic) and New Haven Regional Fire Schools.

He was a long time member of the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association, the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association, the New England Association of Fire Chiefs, the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association, the Connecticut State Firefighters Association and the Connecticut State Firefighters Irregulars Association.

Ronald L. Littell, Sr.

Ronald L. Littell, Sr. joined the Stafford Fire Department at the age of 16.  Beginning in 1958, he became a member of the Tolland Fire Department.  From 1958 through 1963, he had the role of being a Special Member/Prison Guard.  He became a regular member in 1968 and ultimately served as their Chief of Department for 29 years.  Under his leadership, two new Fire Stations were added, as well as a centrally located training facility.  He also served as County Coordinator for Tolland County and as a Search and Rescue Commander.

From 1968 through 1980, he worked as Chief Dispatcher for the Tolland County Mutual Aid Fire Service and then, as the Tolland Public Safety Supervisor and Emergency Management Director.

A member of the Board of Directors of the Tolland County Mutual Aid Fire Service, he also was on the State Emergency Communications Committee, which was tasked with the development of the Connecticut 911 Emergency Telephone Reporting System.

Chief Littell worked on the Connecticut Light & Power Emergency Coordinating Committee and was once honored with the prestigious Connecticut State EMS Award.  In 1994, he was recognized for his role in the safe return of a teenager at a Bigelow Park incident.

Kevin R. McKeon

Kevin R. McKeon is a life member of the West Shore Fire District FD for over 40 years. He retired from the career force as a Lieutenant after 29 years on the job there. He is an alumnus of the International Association of Firefighters Local 1198.  He is also nationally known as the writer and publisher of several ‘Connecticut Fire Apparatus Photo Album’ books Volumes 1, 2, and 3, also ‘Connecticut Fire Service Experience’  Volumes 1 and 2.

An avid photographer, he has, over 45 years, photographed each and every piece of fire apparatus, both new and old, and historic firehouses in all 169 cities and towns in Connecticut, which is archived in his books.

Lt. McKeon is a Connecticut State Certified Emergency Medical Technician, Firefighter III, Fire Instructor and Fire Officer.  Additionally, he holds a national certification as a Hazardous Materials Tech.  From 1987 through 1989, he worked for the Connecticut Fire Academy as a Part Time Instructor.  He achieved a BS Degree in Fire Technology, an AS Degree in Chemistry and an AS Degree in Fire and Occupational Safety.

Under his leadership, West Shore’s Dawson Avenue Fire Station was recognized as a Connecticut Historic Landmark.  Also a very talented Bugler, McKeon offers his services to play “Taps” at countless Military and Fire Service Memorial events. He is the bugler for the City of West Haven, the Connecticut Statewide Fire Department Honor Guard, the Waterbury Fire Department and the Bridgeport Area Retired Firefighters Association. He is also a member of “Bugles Across America”, and was inducted into the Bugles Across America- Buglers Hall of Fame in 2007.

A member of a number of professional societies and organizations, including the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association, the Connecticut Fire Photographers Association, the New Haven County Fire Emergency Plan, an Honorary Member of the Litchfield County Fire Chiefs Association, The Fire Museum of Manchester, the Connecticut Fire Museum of Warehouse Point, the Connecticut Cellar Savers Museum, the Connecticut State Firefighters Association’s Memorial Committee, the Connecticut State Firefighters Irregulars Association, the Connecticut State Fire Department Honor Guard, The Connecticut Fire Equipment, Mechanics Association, and a Life Member of the Society for the Preservation and Appreciation of Antique Motor Fire Apparatus in America.

A recipient of several West Shore Unit Citations and a Chief’s Achievement Award, he was also named as the West Haven Jaycees Firefighter of the Year.

Jon Menti

Jon Menti began his Fire Service participation in 1974, with the Bethel Fire Department, where he held the rank of Lieutenant from 1977 through 1978.  In 1986, he affiliated with the Stony Hill Fire Department, also in Bethel, and held the ranks of Captain, Assistant Chief, Chief and Safety Officer.

In 1985-1986, he was a Captain/Training Officer for the New Canaan Fire Department and was with the Mashantucket Fire Department from 1986 through 1992.

A Connecticut Certified Firefighter II, Fire Service Instructor, Fire Officer, Pump Operator, Safety Officer and Hazardous Materials Technician.  He worked as a Connecticut Fire Academy Instructor from 1981 until 2013.

A member of the Fairfield County Fire Chiefs Emergency Plan, he also was the Chair of the Town of Bethel’s Local Emergency Planning Committee, reorganizing and updating the Town’s Hazardous Materials Response plans.

Chairman of the Bethel Public Sites Building Committee, beginning in 2014, he was named the Bethel Exchange Club’s Firefighter of the Year in 2009.

Jeffrey J. Morrissette

Jeffrey J. Morrissette was a Charter Member of the Boy Scout Explorer Post of the Wethersfield Volunteer Fire Department.  Later, he joined Wethersfield Company 3 and achieved the ranks of First Lieutenant, Acting Captain, Captain and Deputy Fire Marshal.

A long time staff member with the state’s Commission on Fire Prevention and Control, he held the jobs of Director of Certification and then as the State Fire Administrator.

Jeff also served the state as a member of the State Emergency Response Commission, the State 911 Commission and the Department of Emergency Services and Homeland Security’s Coordinating Council.

He also is a member of the Factory Mutual Global Fire Prevention Grant Committee, the National Fire Protection Association’s Fire Service Training Committee, the Executive Board of the International Fire Service Training Association and Chairman of the Fire Department Safety Officer Committee.

In 2002, he received both the Connecticut State Firefighters Association’s Lifesaving Award and the American Red Cross’ Heroes of Greater Hartford Award.  In 2007, he was named as the “Richard Sylvia Instructor of the Year” by the Connecticut Fire Department Instructors Association.

John E. Obier, Jr.

John E. Obier, Jr. began as a Volunteer Firefighter with the North Haven Fire Department in 1954.  Through 1967, he held all Officers ranks, up to and including Assistant Chief.  In 1967, he was appointed as a North Haven Career Firefighter, was promoted to Lieutenant in 1969, Deputy Chief/Fire Marshal in 1973 and Chief of Department in 1983.

A member of the both the Connecticut Commission on Fire Prevention and Control and the North Haven Local Emergency Planning Committee, he was a graduate of the National Fire Academy’s Executive Fire Officer Program.  Chief Obier also taught as an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven.

A certified Fire Investigator, he was the Secretary of the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association and was President of the New England Association of Fire Marshals.  He also served the New England Division of the International Association of Fire Chiefs as their Treasurer.

Additionally, Chief Obier held memberships in the National Fire Protection Association, the International Society of Fire Service Instructors, the International Association of Fire Chiefs and the Fire Marshals of North America.

In 1984 he was the recipient of both the Connecticut State Firefighters Association’s Firefighter of the Year Award and the Connecticut Public Educators Association’s Public Fire Educator of the Year Award.  He also received three awards from the Boy Scouts of America – their Award of Merit, their Vigil Honor Order of the Arrow and the St. George’s Emblem.

Gary M. Parker

Gary M. Parker had a long term of service with the Derby Fire Department, beginning as a 16 year old Auxiliary Member.  He became a regular Firefighter with the Paugassett Hook and Ladder Co. 4 in 1976.  Advancing through the ranks of Second Lieutenant, First Lieutenant, Captain (Twice), Assistant Chief and ultimately as Chief of the Derby Fire Department, from 2003 to 2005.  He also held membership with Derby’s Storms Ambulance Corps.

During his term as Chief he implemented a Department Rapid Intervention Team, completed a comprehensive Policy and Procedures Manual and researched the purchase of a new Aerial Ladder Truck.

Chief Parker was also an active participant with Massachusetts Task Force 1 (Urban Search and Rescue) based in Beverly, Massachusetts.  He also served the City of Derby, as their Director of Public Works from 1992 through 2006.

Following 1999’s tragic Worcester Cold Storage and Warehouse Company Fire, where six members of the Worcester, Massachusetts Fire Department lost their lives, Gary Parker organized a “Candle Relay” to honor those who gave the ultimate sacrifice.  Six candles were lit, with one being relayed, by numerous Fire Companies and Departments in both Connecticut and Massachusetts, until reaching Worcester and being presented to the Worcester Fire Department.  All of those flames continue to burn today.

Parker held memberships with the Valley Fire Chiefs Association, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the Connecticut State Firefighters Association and the Connecticut State Firefighters Irregulars Association.

He was also a proud Cub Scout and Boy Scout.  He was named as an Eagle Scout and received the Boy Scouts of America’s Vigil of Honor and Order of the Arrow designations.  He served on the Boy Scout’s Housatonic Council Executive Board and was their Vice President of Camping.

Charles Perotti

Charles Perotti, at the time of his Hall of Fame Induction, had been a member of the Canaan Fire Company for 49 years and served as their Chief of the Department from 1985-2015.  He also participated as a member of their Fire Police Squad.  For many years, he was recognized as the Canaan Fire Company’s top responder.  This recognition goes to the individual who responds to the most emergency calls during the calendar year.

Under his leadership, the Company kept pace with the needs of the community and purchased an Aerial Ladder Truck.  He also introduced their Junior Firefighter Program, implemented the Department Length of Service Award Program and the Chief’s Award, which recognizes an individual or organization that has provided outstanding contributions to the Company.

Chief Perotti has also held the office of being on the Board of Directors with the Litchfield County Dispatch.

Kenneth W. Richards, Jr.

Kenneth W. Richards, Jr. first joined the Old Mystic Fire Department, as a Junior Firefighter, in 1976.  He then climbed the command ladder holding the ranks of Firefighter, Secretary, Assistant Engineer, Engineer, Lieutenant, Lieutenant/Fire Inspector, Assistant Chief/Deputy Fire Marshal, Deputy Chief/Deputy Fire Marshal and then, beginning in 1993, as their Chief of Department/Fire Marshal.  Also, from 1980 through 1988, he served with the General Dynamics/Electric Boat Fire Department in Groton, where he held the positions of Firefighter, Firefighter/Driver and Captain/Fire Inspector.

A Connecticut certified Firefighter III, Fire Instructor III, Fire Officer IV, Fire Marshal, Emergency Medical Technician and Hazardous Materials Technician, he has been a Fire & Safety Instructor with VFIS of Southern New England.

A member of the National Fire Protection Association, Chief Richards has had the role of Chairperson of their Technical Committee on Fire Service Training.  Also, a member of the International Association of Fire Chiefs, he has served as the Connecticut Director of their New England Division.

He has also served as the President of the Stonington Fire Officers, and held memberships in the Groton Fire Officer’s Association, the New London County Fire Marshals Association, the New London County Fire Chiefs Association, the Connecticut Fire Marshals Association and the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association.

Nomination Forms are encouraged and are available by clicking this link. Nominations can be submitted at any time. Traditionally, there is a cutoff date, during the month of November. Nominations are then reviewed and those selected, for induction, are notified during the following January. The annual induction dinner/ceremony is traditionally held the following April. The submitted nomination packet describes the nominee’s positions, deeds, accomplishments, awards of distinction, lengths of service and other pertinent information – including, but not limited to other worthwhile community services and recognitions.

Headshots may be submitted by email to webmaster@csfa.org.