Stamford History Center Honors Firefighters At Annual Gala
On Thursday, April 26, the Stamford History Center held its Annual Gala at The Waters’ Edge. Mayor David Martin, Stamford Fire Chief Trevor Roach, and former State Representative Christel Truglia were in attendance at the head table.
Stamford’s unique firefighting tradition dates back to 1844 and combines both volunteer and paid professional units. Each honoree was nominated by their respective Fire Department or by the History Center’s Board.
Those recognized from the podium with awards and a mayoral citation:
Captain Philip Hayes Stamford Fire Department
Frank Docimo Stamford Fire Department
Fire Marshal Charles Spaulding Stamford Fire Department
Lieutenant Reema Odeh Glenbrook Fire Department
Assistant Chief Ralph Nau Long Ridge Fire Department
Dorothy Canzano, Volunteer Turn of River Fire Department
Chief Roach kicked off the evening by educating the enthusiastic audience about the history and significance of the Maltese Cross, widely used as a symbol of firefighters and first responders around the world. Noting its historic origin as the symbol of the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem, who frequently fought fires as they defended hospitals, Chief Roach said, “Your badge is your shield, like the shield of a knight, and stands for a tradition of service, professionalism, and running to the fire or emergency, not away.”
Each honoree was introduced by their chief or a senior member of their fire department and then offered up a few words in response. Honoree Fire Marshal Charles Spaulding introduced his family and close friends seated at multiple tables, noting that he would be retiring “…in 93 days’ and had a few people to thank”.
Honoree Assistant Chief Ralph Nau, Long Ridge Fire Department, drew laughs from the crowd as he recounted being responsible for a barn fire at age 11 to which his father, the then Assistant Chief of the Long Ridge Fire Department, was the first fireman to arrive. After helping to clean the equipment after the fire, young Nau was told to get on a fire truck because, “We would rather have you with us then against us.”
Chief Frank Jacobellis, Turn of River Fire Department, described Honoree Dorothy Canzano’s many years of volunteer service which continue today at age 94. The Gala audience gave Dorothy a standing ovation.
History Center Chairman, Marshall Millsap, welcomed the guests by reminding them, “As the Museum of Stamford, we are not just about objects and documents; we also collect stories.” The History Center’s current exhibit, Stamford on Fire, has drawn local firefighters and their families – whose stories have been added to the exhibit.
Hosts from the Stamford History Center also took time at the podium to describe future projects. Executive Director, Dr. Thomas Zoubek, outlined a planned archaeological excavation on Cove Beach, which would also teach students how to manage a dig and record their findings.
Mayor David Martin closed the dinner with final remarks. Noting the title of the Gala, “Honoring Stamford’s Firefighting Heroes”, he stated to the attendees, “The History Center got it right. Heroes are not just the firemen who rescue a child or an EMT who saves a life. A falling beam does not discriminate between a professional or a volunteer. Those who put their lives on the line every day whatever comes, are the real heroes of our community.”
The Stamford History Center, located at 1508 High Ridge Road, is an educational and research institution whose primary functions are to collect, preserve, conserve, interpret, and exhibit materials relating to Stamford, Connecticut and the surrounding area. As the City of Stamford’s history center, the Society is dedicated to providing opportunities for the community to understand and experience the past through the presentation of exhibits and displays, lectures, demonstrations, special events and participatory programs. For more information, call us at 203-329-1183 or visit our website at www.stamfordhistory.org.