The National Volunteer Fire Council (NVFC) is pleased to announce the winners of its 2021 annual fire service achievement awards. Theodore Schroll Jr. will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, sponsored by ADT; Robert James will receive the Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health and Wellness Leadership Award, co-sponsored by VFIS and Ward Diesel Filter Systems; Paige Davis will receive the Junior Firefighter of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty; and the Colonia Volunteer Fire Department Explorer Program will receive the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year Award, sponsored by California Casualty.
“The past year has tested our nation in many ways, but one thing we can always rely on is the dedication, resilience, and exceptional service provided by our nation’s volunteer firefighters and EMS providers,” said NVFC chair Steve Hirsh. “It is with great pleasure that we recognize the incredible work of our 2021 award winners and highlight the amazing achievements of those who give so much to help their communities.”
A celebration luncheon to honor the recipients of the Lifetime Achievement, Chief James P. Seavey Sr. Health and Wellness Leadership, and Junior Firefighter of the Year awards will take place during the NVFC’s fall meeting on October 15 in Jackson, WY. The recipient of the Junior Firefighter Program of the Year will be presented with their award at their department this fall so that all their junior firefighters may attend.
Learn more about the NVFC’s award program at www.nvfc.org/awards.
The recipients of the NVFC’s 2021 awards are as follows:
Ret. Asst. Chief Theodore “Ted” Schroll Jr.
NVFC Lifetime Achievement Award
Sponsored by ADT
Asst. Chief Ted Schroll has never “just belonged” to anything he has been involved with. Schroll is a dedicated fire service volunteer and works hard on any assignment to make things better. He joined Wethersfield (CT) Fire Department in 1960, working his way up from firefighter to acting chief, and his energy and dedication are just as strong in 2021.
Although Schroll retired as acting chief in 1999, he remains an active member of the department. He has shared his knowledge within his local department, the Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA), and at the Connecticut state capitol. He has served in all the executive positions for the state association, as well as serving as CSFA’s legislative representative for over 25 years. Due to his thorough understanding of the legislative process, he was able to represent CSFA without missing a beat during the COVID pandemic and switch to online meetings.
Prior to the pandemic, Schroll spent countless hours at the state capitol representing CSFA and the fire service. He has been aggressive to secure not only legislation, but also funding for construction and rehabilitation of Connecticut’s regional fire schools. Schroll was instrumental, along with Chief John McAuliffe, in securing state legislation that prohibits career departments from forbidding their employees from volunteering in the communities they live. Due to his legislative expertise, Schroll has been a resource to many other state fire associations as well as the NVFC for legislative questions or concerns.
Schroll also currently serves as CSFA’s assistant secretary and credentials committee chair. He is pivotal in organizing the yearly convention and makes it a family affair with his wife, children, and even grandson assisting the credentials committee at the convention.
Schroll was inducted into the Connecticut State Firefighters Hall of Fame in 2010. In addition to his work in the fire service, he served active duty in the United States Air Force until 1960 and is a past president of th