It is with much regret that the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company announces the retirement of Captain Rich Driscoll who has served the citizens of Simsbury for the past 23 years. Rich first joined the Fire Company in 1985 as a Junior Firefighter and continued on to become a Regular Firefighter a few years later. In 1995 he was promoted to Lieutenant serving at both Weatogue and the Main Station. Rich Driscoll was promoted to Captain in 1999 and a few months later assigned to lead Weatogue Station, a position he still held at retirement.

Along the way Rich has served the Fire Company in many capacities including holding the positions of both Lieutenant and Captain of the training division. He served on the Brush 4, Marine 1 and Marine 2 committees, and the 50th Anniversary and Anniversary Yearbook committees.

Rich Driscoll has played an integral part in several important initiatives. He served on the committee tasked with evaluating and recommending upgraded turnout gear for the department, helped usher-in the department's new high-band radio system, and helped bring thermal imagers into the department and train our firefighter's in their use.

Not surprisingly, a few years ago Captain Driscoll was put in-charge of one of our most important assets, the Junior Firefighter Program. Until his retirement he continued to uphold the legacy of this proud tradition and helped guide them to their fifth-straight Junior Firefighter Challenge.

Throughout the years Rich Driscoll has attended numerous seminars and classes at Capital Community College, the Connecticut Fire Academy, the National Fire Academy, the Fire Department Instructor's Conferences, and the Hartford County Regional Fire School where he has also served as state certified instructor since 1989.

Because of his dedication and efforts, Rich Driscoll was recognized with the American Legion Award in 1987, the Simsbury Hometown Hero Award in 1989, and the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company Chief's Award in 1997.

Rich's love of the fire service led him to join the City of Hartford Fire Department in November 1994 as a firefighter. Between 2000 to 2007 he served as a Deputy Chief's Aide and in October 2007 he was appointed to the rank of Lieutenant.

Captain Driscoll's retirement came as he wanted to devote more time to his family and be more involved with his career in Hartford.  Upon his retirement Rich was voted in as an Honorary Life Member.

Know as "Jack," his father John served with our department for 20 years and was an Honorary Life Member, in addition to serving as a Simsbury Police Officer for 26 year. His brother Dave continues to serve our department and is a police officer in Enfield.

The Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company thanks Rich Driscoll for his many years of dedicated service to our organization and the Town of Simsbury. We wish him well and much success in his future endeavors.