On Sunday, October 15th members of the Watch Hill Fire Department participated in the Seventh Annual First Responders Recognition Celebration. Led by Chief Dennis Reall and Assistant Chief Christopher Koretski, eight members of the department were on hand as the Westerly Pawcatuck Clergy and area Chaplains hosted an event that brought in police, fire and EMS agencies from southeastern Connecticut and Washington County.

The event began at the Central Baptist Church, 16 Elm Street where families were invited to Touch-a-truck and get to meet the personnel. At around 3:30 pm the clergy gathered the crowd and offered prayers over the first responders followed by a blessings offered over each of the vehicles that had assembled in the yard.

A procession led by the St. Edmunds Pipes & Drums and an honor guard made up of members of the Westerly and Stonington Police Departments escorted the first responders and their families down Elm Street to the doors of St. Pius X Church where a celebration was held in their honor. It featured prayers led by Chief Anthony Manfredi of the Mystic Fire Department, Sergeant Keith Beebe of the Stonington Police Department and Chief Dawn Smith of the Westerly Ambulance corps. Father Robert Marciano, Chaplain to the Warwick Police and Fire Departments and President of Bishop Hendricken High School, gave an inspirational message to those who had assembled. the highlight of the afternoon was a musical selection from members of the Stonington High School Chamber singers.

A reception was hosted by members of the Westerly Rotary Club in the parish Hall following the service. special thanks to Chief Reall, Assistant Chief Koretski and Chaplain Lord who were on the planning committee for the event.