North Haven Volunteer Firefighters Honored with Presidential Service Award

The following is a press release from the West Ridge Volunteer Fire Association.

West Ridge Volunteer Fire Association today announced that two members Captain Mayer and Lt. Crilly were presented the President’s Call to Service Award by State Representative David Yacarino and WRVFA President Maurice Varney on February 28.

The award is a prestigious national honor offered in recognition of volunteer service.

Established in 2003, the Award is available on an annual basis to individuals, groups and families who have met or exceeded requirements for volunteer service and have demonstrated exemplary citizenship through volunteering.  It is the highest of the President's Volunteer Service awards and represents over 4000 volunteer service hours. It is a lifetime service award.

Mr. Mayer in addition to his service to the WRVFA serves as the Captain of No Haven Co.3, is a past WRVFA president, a past Exalted Ruler of The Hamden Elks # 2224 and participates for various volunteer fundraising organizations including St. Baldricks, The American Lung Association Climb for Air, The MS Walk, Angel Tree and The Yale Children's Hospital Toy Drive. Mr. Mayer works as a Public Safety Liaison for VITAS Innovative Hospice educating First Responders on Palliative Care. Mr. Mayer won the President's Gold Level Volunteer Service Award in 2011.

Mr. Crilly in addition to his service to the WRVFA serves as a Lieutenant in No Haven Co.3, and also participates for St. Baldricks, Angel Tree and The Yale Children's Hospital Toy Drive. Mr. Crilly handles his companies administrative and reporting and reporting and was a top responder and training award winner.

The West Ridge Fire Association has a long history of volunteer service, and more than 98 volunteers perform community service each year on their behalf of the organization including 30 certified firefighters.

In his 2002 State of the Union Address, President George W. Bush created the USA Freedom Corps, and called on every American to make a lifelong commitment to volunteer service.  The President’s Call to Service Award recognizes individuals and families who have answered that call.
“America’s volunteers work to make our communities stronger and safer."

The President’s Call To Service Award is an award for volunteer service that every American – from every age and every walk of life – can aspire to achieve.

“These recipients of the President’s Call to Service Award are role models for all Americans, each volunteer hour contributed makes a difference in improving the quality of life for others, and I encourage everyone to contribute to our community by volunteering.  Volunteers bring us closer together as families, as communities and as a Nation, through their commitment.”

The Award is issued by the President’s Council on Service and Civic Participation, a group created by President Bush to recognize the valuable contributions volunteers are making to our Nation.  Chaired by two-time Super Bowl Champion Darrell Green, with former U.S. Senators Bob Dole and John Glenn as honorary co-chairs, the Council comprises leaders in government, media, entertainment, business, education, nonprofits and volunteer service organizations, and community volunteering.

For more information on the President’s Volunteer Service Award and to find out how to identify additional volunteer opportunities in this area, visit www.PresidentialServiceAwards.gov or call 1-866-545-5307.

For information on The West Ridge Volunteer Fire Association please contact President Maurice Varney. The Association meets the fourth Thursday of each month at 8:00 pm at the West Ridge Firehouse.