Ceremony Recognizes Firefighters’ Achievements

HARWICH – It was a day of welcoming the new members and recognizing the achievements and long-term commitment of members of the fire department. 

Friday’s ceremony at the Sisson Road headquarters drew a crowd.
 “I’d like to thank you all for being here,” Fire Chief David LeBlanc said when opening the ceremony. “You are a big part of this tradition of recognizing and celebrating our firefighters, and we truly appreciate being able to share them with you.”

During the gathering, Town Clark Emily Mitchell swore in two new members of the department, Manuel Rebelo and Zoe Lindauer.

 “Hiring a firefighter is different, in my opinion, than hiring for any other profession. You’re looking for someone who is qualified and capable - but you’re also looking for someone you can spend 24 hours with. Someone who will hold up under pressure. Someone who will laugh at your stupid jokes and make the tough times a little easier. In a way, it’s like you’re hiring a family member,” LeBlanc said.

Rebelo had been serving as a provisional emergency medical technician in the department and Lindauer has been working in the West Barnstable Fire Department.

 “From the beginning, it was easy to see that Manny was a fast study and a great fit,” said LeBlanc. “So when we had an opening, it was an easy decision to appoint him as a full-time firefighter.”

 “And in her short time here, it’s easy to see what the committee saw in Lindauer,” added LeBlanc. “She is a quick study, very capable and she’s the right fit.” 

Chief LeBlanc also officially recognized four firefighters appointed to serve as Designated Officers In Charge. They are Ryan Avery, Christina Regan, Dan SanGiovanni and Tim Druckenbrod. Their appointments were presented by newly-hired Town Administrator Jay McGrail, who is scheduled to begin work in Harwich on March 16.

Six firefighters were presented with Massachusetts Career Firefighter Years of Service pins in recognition of their dedication, sacrifice and commitment to protecting the community. The firefighters are Fire Prevention Officer Brandon Ferro, 20 years; Captain Justin White, 15 years; firefighter Kevin Duquette, 10 years; and firefighters Andrew Riker, Michael Trovato and Marjorie Debrosky, each with five years’ service.

 LeBlanc also bestowed a Unit Citation on 14 members of the department for their efforts during a bicycle accident on a bike trail on September 10, 2025 in which two individuals were seriously injured. The recipients were Deputy Chief Craig Thornton, Capt. Brad Willis, Capt. Justin White, Capt. Ryan Edwards, Lieut. Scott Tyldesley, firefighters Dan SanGiovanni, Andrew Ottino, Tracy Stewart, Mark Pirruccio, Stephen Imparato, Zachery Bengston, Matt Levasseur and Connor McShera.

 “The actions and skills of these personnel showed superior dedication, tremendous effort, and compassion - all while they worked continuously as a team.Their efforts are consistent with the principles, values, and mission of the Harwich Fire Department, and for this, they are awarded this Unit Citation,” LeBlanc said.