Hot Shots

It's not every year that East Haven firefighters are noted for their work but Monday night at the Fire Commission meeting a slew of volunteer and career personnel were awarded for excellence. Packed like sardines inside the Senior Center, friends and relatives applauded and snapped pictures as one fighter after another walked to the front of the room to shake hands with Chief Doug Jackson and Assistant Chief Chuck Licata and collect their citations.

Many were honored for their response to the two early-morning Jan. 3 building infernos that have since been deemed arsons, at 220 Warner Road and Giuseppe's Apizza on Foxon Road.

Also cited for jobs well done at the arson sites were Police Officers Robert Nappe, Steven Paulson and Vincent Ferrara. A handful of civilians who assisted at the scenes of other fires was also honored.

Special guest was Sasha, the dog left for dead inside the burning house at 220 Warner Road. The bull mastiff had been shot in the jaw, underwent surgery and has been adopted. Sasha was given a box of Milk-Bone dog biscuits.

The lineup:

Career officers: Andrew Carlson, Paul Norwood, Pat Spadacenta, William Morgan, Steve Brunelle, John Coughlin, Richard Tramontano, Frederick Parlato, Jack Guido, Brian Kollmer, Christopher Rosa and Brian Wilonski.

Volunteer fighters: Neil Florio, Derek Tramontano, John Fitzgerald, Anthony Gargano, Wayne Serio, Andrew Consiglio Jr., Ray Smith, Matt Muoko, Amy Lambert and Mike Malerba.

Civilians: Angelo Percibeiil, Ed Mahon, Marc Falco, Jennifer Sicignano, Jeanne Willinsky and Bridget McCann.