On the morning of November 6, 1981, a fire erupted at the Knights of Columbus Hall behind St. Mary's Church in Simsbury. Approximately sixty-five firefighters answered the call that morning, including Lieutenant Richard Kelleher. Lieutenant Kelleher was with a team on an exterior stairway helping to take a line to the second floor when he collapsed. Lt. Richard Kelleher died that morning of an apparent heart attack.

The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company founded the Lieutenant Richard Kelleher Memorial Scholarship in remembrance of Dick Kelleher and in honor of his sacrifice. The Simsbury High School Guidance Department selects a recipient who intends to pursue a career in fire science, is instrumental in improving the school community life, or our local community life. The Fire Company presents the scholarship each year at the school's annual awards program.

The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company is proud to announce Andrew LeFebvre as this year's recipient. Andrew LeFebvre serves with the Fire Company as a Firefighter and is assigned to Firetown Station.

Andrew will be attending Central Connecticut State University in New Britain, Connecticut this fall and is interested in pursuing a career in the fire Service. Congratulations to Andrew LeFebvre on being awarded the 2009 Lieutenant Richard Kelleher Memorial Scholarship.

Captain Paul Kelley gives a brief history about Lieutenant Richard Kelleher and the scholarship.

Captain Kelley congratulates Andrew LeFebvre on being the 2009 recipient of the scholarship.

Junior Firefighter Andrew LeFebvre helps advance a hoseline during a training drill.

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Captain Paul Kelley gives a brief history about Lieutenant Richard Kelleher and the scholarship.

 

Photographs by Cliff Williams