Pascoag Hose Company celebrates achievements

BURRILLVILLE – Members of Pascoag Hose Company recently gathered to celebrate achievements from the past year at their second annual Firefighters’ Ball.

Three special awards were given out to members at the celebration, with Lt. Mackenzie Beausoleil named the Jack Almeida EMT of the Year for 2022, an award named in honor of past Rescue Captain Jack Almeida. Engineer Tyler Crandall received the Nicholas Sabella Firefighter of the Year award, named after past Chief Nick Sabella, and presented by the late chief’s wife, Joan Sabella.

“We were particularly honored to have her in attendance to present the award,” noted the district in a release on the celebration.

Firefighter/EMT Ashley Boucher was named the Richard Jenks Volunteer of the Year, and was presented her award by Jenks’s wife, retired Capt. Sharon Jenks.

The event also included recognition of members for landmark years of service to the community, including the acknowledgement of Capt. Emeritus Steve Bailey, who has served in the village for 60 years. Firefighter Cody Meinville received a 15-year pin; Firefighter/EMT Lisa Beausoleil was recognized for ten years; and Firefighter Dante Branconier, Lt. Will O’Keefe, and Firefighter/EMT Lorri Astillero all marked five years with the district.

“Members enjoyed the opportunity to wear their dress uniforms for a happy occasion, and to gather with their families and with members of area departments,” noted the district. “Members greatly appreciated the chance to gather and relax together for an evening.”

The club, an independent social organization made up of members of Pascoag Fire Department, also recognized members who achieved certifications in the past year, including FF/EMT Ashley Boucher, FF/EMT Alexis Silva, and Captain Matthew Dupuis passed their National Registry EMT. FF/EMT Boucher also achieved her Level I Firefighter certification, as did FF John Caswell. Engineer Tyler Crandall achieved his HazMat and Level II Firefighter certifications. Lt. Andrew Peck completed a bachelor’s degree in Paramedic Science, and Captain Thomas Smith passed his National Registry Paramedic.

The ceremony took place at Crystal Lake Golf Club on Saturday, June 24.

“Our thanks to the area departments who covered our district in case of any emergencies,” PFD noted. “While we can’t all aspire to reach the milestone achieved by Captain Bailey, we look forward to serving our community for many years to come.”