2010 Firefighter of the Year: William "Sow" Southwell
By NEJFD Executive Director Steven C. Small
February 5, 2010
On February 4th, 2010, William Southwell was honored as the Webster Volunteer Fire Department Firefighter of the Year. Bill was presented this honor at the 40th Annual Police, Fire and Ambulance recognition Dinner. This dinner is held annually by the Webster-Fairport B.P.O. Elks Club. The event was well attended and featured Master of Ceremonies Mike Whittemore (WHAM) and Keynote Speaker Andrew P. Meloni (Monroe County Sheriff-Retired). Also in attendance was Assemblyman David Koon. Bill's presentation read:
Service, honor and dedication are the hallmarks of a nominee for firefighter of the year. While the Webster Volunteer Fire Department recognizes all of their firefighters for their efforts, one individual epitomizes the highest degree of service, honor and dedication. The Webster Volunteer Fire Department is proud to honor William H. Southwell as our 2010 Firefighter of the Year. Bill joined the Webster Volunteer Fire Department more than 37 years ago. Bill quickly rose through the ranks and served as Captain, Second and First Assistant Chief, and served as Fire Chief in 1986 and 1987. Bill has served as a Line Officer for more than 25 years. During his volunteer career Bill has served on numerous apparatus and lifesaving equipment committees. Most recently Bill played an instrumental role as Building Committee member responsible for the addition to the Roseland Station and the reconstruction of the new Enderlin Headquarters Station. Bill has also received numerous honors throughout the years including several Life Saving awards. Outside of the fire service Bill continues to be an active volunteer. Bill coaches Junior Varsity Lacrosse at the Webster Schroeder High School and is a volunteer for the Al Sigl Center's annual fundraising event. In September 2002, while at a fire call providing EMS, Bill suffered a near fatal heart attack. Through his faith, family and friends, Bill recovered and eventually returned as an active member of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department. Bill continued his dedication of service to the department and community through his high level of volunteerism. Bill is often found assisting with the training and mentoring of fellow firefighters. Bill's vast level of knowledge and experience, along with his eagerness to share, has proven extremely valuable for all members of the Webster Volunteer Fire Department. In addition Bill continues to be a top responder. Over the past five years Bill has responded to and attended more than two thousand five hundred emergency calls and training evolutions. In 2009 alone, Bill responded to over four hundred and fifty emergency calls and training evolutions, and was second overall in the department's participation rankings. You would think that all of this volunteerism was enough for Bill. Not so…..On January 1st, 2010, Bill began serving as a Fire Commissioner for the North East Joint Fire District. Bill will now be using his municipal management and fire service knowledge and experience to yet again serve his community as a volunteer. It is with great honor that the Webster Volunteer Fire Department recognizes William H. Southwell as the 2010 Firefighter of the Year………..
Past Chief William "Sow" Southwell
Bill receiving award. Photo by Brad Cowan
The 2010 Nominees
Jane Hoffman and Cindy Larner-Critz
A Startled(?) Bruce Rolland
Jim Hoffman hiding behind a camera.
(Top) Mike Chiapperini and his lovely wife Kim. (Bottom) Jim Clancy and his lovely Fiancée Kelly Hoffman.
Antique fire truck aficionado John Smith
Some guy posing as a photographer. No wait.....That's Brad Cowan!
Past Chief Rob Sabin and Firefighter Bill Moranz
President Gerald Daloia
Past Chiefs Gary Partridge (left) and Lee McMullen
