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Simsbury police, fire personnel lauded for life-saving efforts


Michele Angers and Tom Gaffey thank the first responders who saved them from a burning house the morning of July 6.

By John Fitts

Staff Writer


SIMSBURY – It was an emotional evening Wednesday as Tom Gaffey and Michele Angers not only expressed their appreciation for the first responders who rescued them from the second floor of their burning home the morning of July 6, but also witnessed footage from the incident – thanks to Simsbury Police Body Cameras and editing from WFSB.

“I didn’t realize how scared I really was until I saw that, and I could feel myself starting to shake and be scared but that night I wasn’t being scared,” Angers said during the Sept. 14 ceremony honoring the members of the Simsbury Police Department and Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company involved in saving the lives of the couple and their two dogs. “I was being talked off the ledge and hugged off one - through a window – and it kind of amazes me.”

“We all know about first responders running into the burning building while everyone else runs the other way and that has a far greater meaning for us now, now that we’ve been through it,” Gaffey said. “Our words can hardly express the gratitude that we owe you for that night. You got us out safely when there was no way we could get ourselves out safely. You left the comfort and safety of your homes, and you came out to help us out of a very dangerous situation and in so doing, put yourselves in danger… You deserve enormous gratitude from us, but not only for what you did for us, but what you do for the town of Simsbury all the time. Our town is extremely fortunate to have individuals like you that put yourselves at risk to go above and beyond in order to help your fellow citizens. And, although the words, I think, are totally insufficient, all we can say is thank you.”

It was nearly 2:30 a.m. July 6 when Angers – consistent with her late night/early morning reading habit - smelled smoke, felt “intense” heat and heard noises from the kitchen area of their 270 Bushy Hill Road home.

She called 9-1-1 and Dispatcher Kim Rathbun calmly assessed the situation, asked the right questions and kept Angers on the phone, officials said.

“Dispatcher Kim Rathbun’s voice and words set the tone for Michele’s and Thomas’ survival,” said Police Chief Nick Boulter.

Gaffey and Michele Angers were trapped on the second floor.

As Rathbun kept communication open to all, responding police and firefighters worked in concert to save lives and “knock down” the fire.

Police were the first to arrive and used the homeowners ladder to rescue Gaffey, while also helping to direct firefighters to the kitchen area where the fire was raging.

Other responding fire personnel, meanwhile, set up a second rescue ladder, bringing Angers down to safety.

Responders were also able to rescue Lily, a 7-year-old retriever mix and Sam, a 9-month-old Burmese Mountain Dog.

At that Sept. 14 event, dubbed “A commemoration of Life Saving Actions on July 6, 2022,” officials from the town, state and local emergency services offered their words of acknowledgment and appreciation.

State Sen. Kevin Witkos congratulates Officer Connor Arnold for his role in the life-saving efforts July 6.

Each honoree also received an official citation from both the town and the state of Connecticut General Assembly and congratulations from officials.

Honorees also received a heartfelt handshake from Gaffey and a hug- or two – from Angers.

Several officials also offered remarks, thanking the individuals involved and for the work the departments do on a daily basis.

First Selectman Wendy Mackstutis lauded each department and praised how well they worked in tandem.

“The collaboration and teamwork that was exhibited in this rescue is what really stands out too – for the bravery and willingness of everyone involved to do whatever it takes to keep us all safe – like rescuing our friends and neighbors and their dogs …. We cannot thank you enough," Mackstutis said.

“The Fire District has a 75-year history of serving the residents and taxpayers of the town of Simsbury. For all of those 75 years, we have strived to be good stewards of our taxpayers' money while at the same time investing in the very best of equipment and the very best in training. The early morning events of July 6, without a doubt, provided a return on those investments,” said Gary Wilcox, president Simsbury Fire District. “All of us on the district are not only proud of the members of the Volunteer Fire company but also the teamwork and cooperation that occurred that early morning with our partners in blue from the Simsbury Police Department, who equally placed themselves in harm’s way to make this successful rescue. Our organizations have a deep mutual respect for each other and this joint effort only made that respect that much deeper.”

Gary Wilcox, President of the Simsbury Fire District, congratulates Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Capt. Ken Boudreau.

Fire Chief Jim Baldis spoke to the long hours and professional training members of each organization go through.

“These actions don’t happen by chance but are due to the training, dedication and focus to respond appropriately to emergency situation that they face. That early morning of July 6, this team of first responders answered the call knowing the seriousness of the situation. Their collective actions underscored what we are all about – protecting lives and property in town. While hoping we never have to face a similar situation in the future, I can say with great confidence that the Simsbury firefighters and police officers of this town will respond with performance and with passion. The training, the ability to work as a team is what we witnessed that morning. And in fact, we see this teamwork play out every day as part of Simsbury’s emergency responding services."

In the words of Boulter, "Michele, Tom and their dogs are here today because of the swift actions the experience, training and teamwork of these officers, firefighters and dispatcher. Through personal risk, physical strength and level headedness, the officers, dispatcher and firefighters saved lives. We are proud of your performance, grateful for your actions and fortunate to have you.”


Formally Recognized were:

Simsbury Police

Dispatcher Kim Rathbun,

PFC Justin Gualducci

PFC Jessie Marinak

OFC Connor Arnold

Sergeant Daniel Thibault


Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company

Capt. Todd Myers

Capt. Ken Boudreau

Lt. Robert Rust

Firefighter Matt Pearce-Bristol

Firefighter Nick Boswell

Firefighter Eli Brenner





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Valley Happenings

Fighting Cancer Pasta Dinner:

Benefit for Avon Volunteer Fire Department

Deputy Chief Dave Theriault

Saturday, February 22, 2025, 3:00-7:00 p.m. 

Avon Senior Center, 635 West Avon Road, Avon

AVFD Deputy Chief of Administration Dave Theriault is facing a tough battle against Stage 4 cancer. The AVFD, along with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 and the Farmington Fire Department, is holding a pasta dinner to help raise money for Chief Theriault’s medical expenses. In addition to delicious food, drinks, and camaraderie, the event will feature dozens of raffle prizes. Event tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for seniors and children under 10 years old. They can be purchased at the door or in advance at AVFD Headquarters, 25 Darling Drive, Avon (Mondays, 8:30 a.m.-8:30 p.m. and Tuesdays-Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.). Contributions can be made via Venmo @supportDave or by mail to the AVFD at 25 Darling Drive, Avon, CT 06001. 

Canton Community Health Fund Applications

Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. Opens 2025 Application Season, on March 1, 2025, for Canton Community Partner Grants & Canton Scholars Pursuing Careers in Healthcare or Public Safety Canton Community Health Fund, Inc. (CCHF), opens its grant and scholarship application season March 1. CCHF encourages State of CT certified non-profits serving the Canton community to apply for Community Partner grants. In addition, graduating high school seniors seeking higher education in healthcare or public safety are invited to apply for either a Dr. Diters Legacy Scholarship or a Pay It Forward Scholarship. Applications and informative Fact Sheets are available online at www.cantoncommunityhealthfund.org.  Community Partner Grant and Scholarship awards will be announced in June/2025.

 

Avon Library events

AVON –The following events are scheduled at Avon Free Public Library. The library is at Avon Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon. All programs are in person except where noted. For more information on adult programs, contact Adult Services Reference Desk via avonref@avonctlibrary.info 860-673-9712 x 7203

• Antique Map Collecting 101, Saturday, Feb. 1 at 1 p.m. Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/event/antique-map-collecting/

• Morning Book Club. Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 10:30 a.m., The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, Registration is required: https://www.avonctlibrary.info/events/tag/morning-book-club/

• Meditation for Balance and Inner Contentment. (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 6 at 7 pm.

• Eastern Coyotes in Connecticut (Virtual Event) Thursday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m.

• Fashion and the First Lady (Virtual Event). Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.

• Hoop Skirts to Flappers: Eighty Years of Connecticut Fashion. Monday, Feb. 24 at 2 p.m.

• The Golden Age of Hollywood. (Virtual Event) Tuesday, March 4 at 2 pm.

 

Simsbury Lions Club

The Simsbury Lions Club is looking for people interested in volunteering and contributing to better our town. Our motto is “We serve,” and we do so by volunteering at local events and donating our proceeds to serving interests in our community.

If interested, please feel free to contact Sandy Kremer at Tprkremer@gmail.com or Philip Painchaud at painchaudp@gmail.com.”

 

Winter sowing workshop

The Farmington Land trust is hosting a winter sowing workshop focused on raising native plants. Make your own up-cycled greenhouse from a milk jug and prep some beneficial native plants for the coming growing season. Sunday, Feb 2 from 11a.m.-12:30 p.m. at the Farmington Senior Center. RSVP here: https://www.farmingtonlandtrust.org/event-details/winter-sowing-seminar-native-seed-planting

 

Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall

CANTON – The Cherry Brook Garden Club is hosting a lecture on “Following Our Wild Flowers from Spring to Fall” on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. at the Canton Community Center, lower level, 40 Dyer Avenue. Steve Messier, Lichenologist and former Science teacher at Canton High School will discuss the topic. The lecture is open to the public. There is a $5 guest fee for non-members. Email questions to cherrybrookgardenclub@gmail.com.

 

‘Five Wishes’ at McLean

SIMSBURY – Join Kevin Baran, M.D., medical director, and the McLean Hospice Team for a special “McLean & Me Educational Series” presentation to learn how to talk about and record your wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. The presentation will be held at McLean’s Garmany Performing Arts Center, 50 Sarah Lane, Simsbury, on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 6 p.m. The presentation is free but an RSVP by Feb. 4 is required as seating is limited. A light dinner will be provided.

To register, visit McLeanCare.org/Events, email Margaret.Clark@McLeanCare.org, or call 860-658-3718.

 

‘Art Throb!’ Exhibit

Gallery on the Green presents “Art Throb!” Exhibit plus a Solo Exhibit by Kathi Packer Friday, Feb. 14 through Saturday, March 15. An opening reception is on Saturday, Feb. 15 from 6-8 p.m. and will include refreshments. The show and reception are free.

“Art Throb!” is a heartfelt Valentine’s Day celebration presented by the membership of Canton Artists’ Guild. The artists use a wide range of media including painting, prints, drawing, photography, sculpture, ceramics and mixed media to represent the emotional intensity, joy and complexity of love.

In the upstairs Gallery, Kathi Packer has a solo show, “Another Tale.”  Packer notes that a friend’s casual invitation to go on safari in 2008 substantially changed the direction of her artistic journey.The gallery is located near the intersection of Dowd Avenue and Route 44 at 5 Canton Green Road in Canton. Hours are Friday – Sunday, 1-5 pm. The main floor gallery is handicapped accessible.

Website: http://www.galleryonthegreen.org; Phone:  860-693-4102

 

TABLESCAPES fundraiser returns to benefit the new

Avon History Museum

AVON – The Avon Historical Society invites the public to its sixth TABLESCAPES event showcasing up to 30 creative and original table settings on Friday, March 14 and Saturday, March 15 at the historic North House, 1 Nod Road, Avon.

This event will feature themed table settings from local professional designers, florists, businesses, individuals, artists and others featuring fresh floral arrangements, centerpieces and accessories. Proceeds will benefit the installation of professionally curated exhibits in the new Avon History Museum scheduled to open on Friday, July 4, 2025.

Back by popular demand will be a “Table and Barware Tag Sale” on both days. Admission to TABLESCAPES includes the tag sale. Tickets are $20 each pre-sale and at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at www.avonhistoricalsociety.org or by calling Mary Harrop at 860-670-3225 before March 8.

Those interested in sponsorship opportunities can also call Harrop.

 

Alzheimer’s Support Group

FARMINGTON – Hearts, Hugs & Hope: An Alzheimer’s Support Group takes place Feb. 20, 2025, 6 p.m. at Farmington Station Assisted Living and Memory Care Community, 111 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington. Dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia isn’t easy, so it is helpful to share your concerns and personal experiences with others who completely understand what you’re going through. You will also learn about proven strategies to help you better care for your family member. This group is being offered both in person and via Zoom on the third Thursday of each month. If you plan to attend, contact Director of Compass Programming Katherine Jedynasty at kjedynasty@farmingtonslr.com.

 

Used book sale

AVON - A huge book sale will be held Feb. 28 and March 1 in St. Ann’s Church Hall, 289 Arch Road at Route 167.  Hours are Friday, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. ($5 adult admission) and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. (no admission fee).

Thousands of books will be organized in separate sections, including Fiction, History, Biography, Politics, Children, Music, Cooking, Sports, Art, Vintage, and more!  A large selection of Children’s books will be available.  Fiction books will be divided by hardcover, paperback, and trade paperback and sorted alphabetically by author.  DVDs, CDs, books on CDs, Vinyl records, and puzzles will be available, also.  Most books will be $3 or less with vintage and specialty books priced higher.

 

Daisy Days: All-Girls Summer Day Camp Experience

FARMINGTON – Miss Porter’s School, a renowned institution with a legacy of empowering young women, is excited to announce the launch of Daisy Days, an all-new day camp for girls entering grades 3-5 this fall. Starting this summer, Daisy Days will offer a unique, joy-filled experience designed to spark creativity, build confidence, and inspire self-discovery in an empowering all-girls environment.

For additional details, visit pcgl.porters.org/daisy-days.

 

Artist demonstration

Avon Arts Association will hold a guest artist demonstration featuring  Granby artist Laura Eden on Tuesday, February 18 at  Avon Town Hall, 60 W. Main St., lower level, at 6:30 p.m. Ms. Eden will demonstrate egg tempera painting.

The demo is free and open to the public ($5 suggested donation). A workshop with Ms. Eden will be held at the same location in the Avon Room on Saturday, Feb. 22, 10-2 with  set up at 9:30. Fee: $45 for members, $55 for nonmembers). www.AvonArts.org

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