Pictured from left, Ansonia Police Sgt. Alex Barreira, Second Lt. Matthew Casini of the Ansonia Fire Department, EMT Kate Topazio of Ansonia Rescue Medical Services, Ansonia Mayor David S. Cassetti./ Contributed photo
ANSONIA - The Ansonia Rotary Club recently presented three of Ansonia’s first responders with Outstanding Service Awards.
The annual dinner ceremony was held at Ansonia High School.
Mayor David S. Cassetti was on hand to congratulate the awardees, and he joined family, friends, and Rotarians in expressing thanks to the men and women of Ansonia’s emergency services.
EMT Kate Topazio was chosen by colleagues at Ansonia Rescue Medical Services to receive the 2016 Rotary Civic Service Recognition Award.
She joined ARMS in 2010 after receiving her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from Fairfield University. A Charge Nurse in the Emergency Department at Griffin Hospital in Derby, Topazio was awarded the Mary Schumacher Leadership Award and the Florence Nightingale Award for Excellence in Nursing in 2014.
She averages 80-plus hours a week occasionally in her dual capacities, and her medical training has been a significant asset at ARMS.
In one case she recognized a patient going into cardiac arrest and intervened. She is a Field Training Officer and often goes beyond the call of duty, recently joining the EMS Bike Team.
Sgt. Alex Barreira of the Ansonia Police Department was selected as the outstanding police officer for 2016. He joined APD in 2004 and was promoted to Sergeant in 2014. Barreira has served with distinction during his 10 years. In charge of the K-9 and FTEP programs, he was assigned to a local DEA task force for two years.
His other awards include the 2016 U.S. Attorney Award in recognition of his efforts in Operation Fast Lane II, and the departmental Lifesaving Award for resuscitating an unresponsive victim. He is considered a role model and leader by his peers and supervisors.
Second Lt. Matthew Casini of Webster Hose Company received the Ansonia Fire Department Outstanding Service Award.
Casini joined AFD in 2002 and was promoted to his current rank this year. He currently holds five certifications in fire and medical roles, and acts as the company’s training officer. A graduate of Emmett O’Brien Technical High School, Casini is employed by Sikorsky Aircraft.
This is a press release from the Ansonia Rotary Club.
