Deputy Chief David Simard honored as he retires after 39 years; Mitchell Street rescue team recognized

The Bristol Fire Commission recognized Deputy Chief David Simard on the eve of his retirement and presented certificates to multiple firefighters for a Jan. 22 rescue at a Mitchell Street structure fire. Chief Hart told the commission that Simard was hired on 06/25/1986 and will retire at 0700 tomorrow after "39 years, 8 months, and 1 day" with the department.

"He's a very, very conscientious professional and all-around nice guy," Chief Hart said in introducing the recognition. The chief noted Simard served as a liaison to the dispatch center and praised his mentoring and leadership. Simard thanked colleagues and said, "Just wanna thank everybody in here, all the guys I've worked with...when you love to do your work, I really do feel blessed."

Chief Hart also read from a letter by Deputy Chief David Buckles that described the Jan. 22 response to 36 Mitchell Street. According to the letter, Lieutenant Lance LaVore, Lieutenant Gary Buzl, firefighter Andy Duvall and John Stankus entered hazardous conditions, located and removed a victim from a second-floor bathroom and performed a successful extrication under intense heat and limited visibility. Chief Hart called their actions "the highest standards of fire service" and asked that the named crew members come forward to accept certificates of recognition.

The commission paused regular business to present the recognitions, then returned to its agenda. No formal votes were required for the recognitions, and the meeting proceeded to committee reports and other agenda items.