Article Last Updated:
Tuesday, October 29, 2002 - 3:40:53 AM MST

7 named Bridgeport's 'Firefighters of the Year'
By AARON LEO aleo@ctpost.com

BRIDGEPORT

Forget Norman Rockwell's traditional depiction of life at the firehouse.

In reality, it's drill, drill, drill, and then drill some more.

But that regimen of practicing pays off, and the Fire Department's training officers received thank-yous from the city last week.

Seven department leaders were named Firefighters of the Year by the Bridgeport Exchange Club, in a ceremony at the La Scogleria restaurant on Madison Avenue.

It was the fourth annual ceremony honoring the Fire Department, said David Manson, the club president.

The honorees were Assistant Chief Thomas J. Connor Sr., Capts. Gary C. Baker and Luis A. Rivera Jr., and Lts. Charles Dimbo, Craig E. Kelly, David J. Acanfora and Frank Mercaldi Jr.

"We appreciate being recognized for the work we do," Dimbo said after being presented with the red, cross-shaped medallion.

Firefighters are often praised for emergency rescues, but citizens don't see the behind-the-scenes training, Manson said.

The training is necessary, Kelly said.

"We're human beings. We're not superhuman," he said. "When you're not pulling people out of windows, you're doing the foundation work that allows you to pull people out of windows," he said.

Fire Chief Michael Maglione said he nominated the seven, who are part of the training division. The Exchange Club usually asks him to decide who receives the award.

"They make other firefighters better, better than they think they can be," Maglione said.

It marks the first time multiple awards were distributed.

The seven had already received the medals at a ceremony at the Aquaturf Club in Southington last week.

"This is our way of thanking you," Manson said Wednesday.

The award follows a recent search-and-rescue drill at the demolished Pequonnock Apartments complex that attracted firefighters from as far as Iceland. The Exchange Club is a national nonprofit organization that sponsors civic activities and charity work.

Aaron Leo can be reached at 330-6222.