Farmington Firefighter Celebrates 29th Anniversary

Farmington firefighter Gary Petersen celebrates 29 years of service with the Town of Farmington Fire Department this week. But while Petersen got the cake, the department is celebrating a capable team member who quietly gets the job done and always lends a hand.

Petersen, a career firefighter, volunteered with the East Farmington Volunteer Fire Department before being hired by the town. He is now the longest serving career firefighter and as such has the honor of wearing Badge #1.

"Gary is a tremendous asset to the TFFD," said Mary-Ellen Harper, Farmington director of fire and rescue services. "He’s the kind of firefighter that the rest of our firefighters are pleased to see in the fire truck when it pulls up at an emergency. Gary is extremely competent and has a calming air about him that transfers to those who are working with him."

Town Council Chairman and former Farmington firefighter Jeff Hogan had similar things to say about Petersen.

"Gary is a great asset to the town and the fire department. He is calm, consistent and a great mentor to newer firefighters," Hogan said. "Simply stated, he's just a really good guy who is well liked by his colleagues. Farmington is lucky to have him as a public servant."

Petersen also took the lead on many fire department projects, including building a new shed for the East Farmington Fire Station, serving on the committee that wrote the specifications for the new Engine 10, and coordinating various projects including hose testing, ladder testing, and apparatus maintenance.

"Gary is always willing to help, whether there is work to be done or an overtime shift to be covered. TFFD thanks Gary for his service and wishes him another 29 safe years of fire fighting with us," Harper said.