For Immediate Release

Thursday, July 25, 2019

Media Contact: Jordan Mayblum
Phone: 781-428-3299
Email: jordan@jgpr.net

Shrewsbury Fire Department Honors Firefighters at Awards and Recognition Night

SHREWSBURY — Chief James Vuona is pleased to announce that the Shrewsbury Fire Department hosted its annual Awards and Recognition Night earlier this week.

On Monday, July 22, the Shrewsbury Fire Department, along with community leaders, came together to honor its members for their achievements both over the course of the last year, and throughout their careers.

Firefighter Michael Borowiec earned the department’s 2018 Outstanding Firefighter Award in recognition of his work on a variety of grant applications. He’s helped secure funding to support the purchase of new gear extractors that are specifically designed to wash gear and remove contaminants linked to occupational cancers.

He’s also worked on staffing and equipment grants, as well as a HazMat Grant to support enhanced training and equipment for the department.

“Michael has played a critical role in helping us secure key funding that makes our department stronger and our firefighters — and community as a whole — more safe,” Chief Vuona said. “He’s made numerous tangible and intangible contributions to our department over the last year, and he’s extraordinarily deserving of this honor.”

Deputy Chief Bruce Card was recognized with an Achievement Award for his sustained commitment to the department for nearly five decades, beginning with his days as a 15-year-old call firefighter who responded to calls on his bicycle, all the way to today. As the department’s first deputy chief, Card has spearheaded Shrewsbury’s fire prevention program and served as the architect of the current fire prevention program. He’s also served as a mentor to newly-named Deputy Chief Seth Colby.

“Bruce has been a model of consistency and stability for our department for 47 years,” Chief Vuona said. “He’s our go-to guy for all things related to fire prevention, and he has really gone above and beyond to ensure that our fire prevention program is everything that it can be and more.”

The department also presented an Achievement Award to Firefighter David Hodgerney, who is set to retire on Sept. 15 following 32 years of service. For more than 20 years, Firefighter Hodgerney has led the department’s Student Awareness of Fire Education (S.A.F.E.) program, attending trainings and participating in school events. He founded Shrewsbury’s S.A.F.E. program and was the department’s first Certified Fire Public Educator.

“Our education program would not be what it is today without Dave’s leadership and determination,” Chief Vuona said. “He’s laid the foundation for future generations of Shrewsbury firefighters to build upon, and we’re grateful for his service and wish him nothing but the best in retirement.”

State Rep. Hannah Kane attended Monday’s ceremony, along with numerous members of the Shrewsbury Fire Department, to pay tribute to the honorees and congratulate new call/volunteer members and newly-promoted members of the department.

Capt. Shaun Weigold and Deputy Chief Colby were formally promoted at Monday’s ceremony, while Call Firefighters Owen Bouffard, Steven Ebers, Michael Filiere, Connor Jordan and Alex Milosz were officially welcomed as members of the Shrewsbury Fire Department. In addition, Firefighter Christopher White was sworn in as Shrewsbury’s newest full-time firefighter.

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