Turley Publications staff photos by Jennifer Wroblewski

Warren Fire Captain Alan McKeon (left) was recently honored for 35 years of service to the department. He was presented with the award by his son, firefighter Jim McKeon (center) as Chief James Dolan looks on.

Firefighter Seth Blackwell (center) receives citations from state Sen. Stephen Brewer and state Rep. Todd Smola during the 17 annual Dennis Desrosiers Awards Banquet May 1.

Award recipients always on call

By Jennifer Wroblewski

Staff Writer

WARREN — Mere minutes after being praised for giving up their free time to help others in trouble, a handful of Warren firefighters left a banquet in their honor to assist a homeowner with a grease fire.

Just as the firefighters and their families were sitting down to dinner during the 17^th Annual Dennis Desrosiers Awards Banquet at Countryside Pub on Saturday, May 1, the firefighters were dispatched to nearby High Street for a reported grease fire. Almost immediately, the room cleared as the firefighters abandoned their plates and ran off.

Within 20 minutes they returned to resume the evening’s festivities.

In all, eight firefighters were commended for their service to the town, ranging from five years on the department to 35. Those firefighters who served 20 or more years were awarded citations by state Rep. Todd M. Smola, R-Palmer and state Sen. Stephen M. Brewer, D-Barre. In addition, a number of other firefighters were honored with “gag awards” for mishaps and humorous gaffs throughout the year.

Brewer commended all the firefighters in attendance for their bravery and dedication. He equated their job to that of soldiers serving overseas.

“The closest thing to combat is going into a burning building,” Brewer said. “We’re lucky to have you and we appreciate you.”

He went on to describe the importance of the fire department in a small town. In the first 90 seconds after arriving at a fire scene, the firefighters are saving lives, he said. After that, they’re saving property.

Likewise, Smola thanked the firefighters for their efforts.

“The profession you are in is unlike any other in the world,” he said. “There are not too many professions where people walk out the door in the morning and may not return home at the end of the day.”

And for a combined 100 years, Lt. Joe Como, Mike Jacques, Seth Blackwell, and Captain Alan McKeon have put the lives and property of others ahead of themselves for the town of Warren.

Alan McKeon, who has served as a firefighter for 35 years, was awarded his recognition by his son, Jim McKeon, who was recognized for his five years of service. Also awarded were Blackwell, 25 years; Jacques, 20 years; Como, 20 years; Lt. Scott Bridges, 15 years; Joe O’Keefe, five years; and Dave Burke, five years.

After honoring those firefighters, Chief James W. Dolan thanked them and the rest of the audience for their professionalism and dedication.

“Every year, we have to do more with less,” he said. “The demands have increased enormously in the years I’ve been here.”

Dolan was sure to pass along his gratitude to the families of the firefighters, who are often left to themselves when their loved ones are called away in an emergency.

“It’s a big commitment, it’s a full-time job, and I appreciate it very, very much,” Dolan said.

Following the service awards, the firefighters were presented with “gag awards,” which Desrosiers said is meant to bring levity to an otherwise serious event.

Those recognized were captains Ken Beauregard and McKeon with the “Environmental Protection Award;” Firefighter/EMT Sean Reynolds with the “Garmin Award” and “Self-Appointed Firefighter Battalion Chief” award; Beauregard and Lt. Adam Lavoie with the “Dukes of Hazzard” award; Vinnie Lombardo with the “Energizer Bunny” award; and Mike King with the “Sir Isaac Newton” award.