Firefighter/paramedic Rocco Laudato was honored Tuesday as the American Legion’s Connecticut Firefighter of the Year for 2020.

From left: Town Manager Matt Hart, Senior Vice Commander Jeff Linden, Junior Vice Commander Heidi-Anne Mooney, Past Post Commander Jeff Cole, Mayor Shari Cantor, Firefighter/paramedic Rocco Laudato, and Chief Greg Priest at the American Legion’s CT Firefighter of the Year celebration. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

By Ronni Newton

Firefighter/parademic Rocco Laudato, who joined the West Hartford Fire Department in 2015, has quickly distinguished himself for going above and beyond in performing his duties, and after earning American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 and Exchange Club Firefighter of the Year honors in 2019, has also earned the American Legion’s statewide honor.

The Connecticut Firefighter of the Year award was actually for 2020, but due to the COVID-19 pandemic the presentation was delayed – which allowed his 3-month-old daughter to be part of the ceremony. Chief Greg Priest, Assistant Chief Hugh O’Callaghan, Mayor Shari Cantor, Town Manager Matt Hart, Post 96 leadership, and members of the West Hartford Fire Department also attended Tuesday’s event.

American Legion Senior Vice Commander Jeff Linden (left) with 2020 CT Firefighter of the Year Rocco Laudato and Laudato’s wife, Alyssa. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

When Laudato received the 2019 award from Post 96, it was in recognition of “a very public and very tragic incident,” said Battalion Chief Jarrad Smith, who served as emcee of Tuesday’s event.

“The challenge with recognizing our members for their actions is that they inevitably come on the heels of significant human tragedy, particularly in a community like this,” said Smith. “We’re primarily judged on our ability to lessen the impact because to call something truly successful in our terms is almost impossible.”

Battalion Chief Jarrad Smith. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

On one particular day, Laudato certainly showed what it means to be a West Hartford firefighter, Smith said, and he has continued to do so. In the past year he has treated 355 medical patients, 37 of which were critical. Five were fatalities, Smith said.

Past Post Commander Jeff Cole said after presenting Laudato with the Post 96 award in 2019, they forwarded his nomination to the state department of American Legion. Laudato is just the second West Hartford firefighter to be honored with the statewide award.

Cole noted that he has personally had great experience being treated by West Hartford firefighter/paramedics.

Vice Commander Jeff Linden presented a plaque to Laudato, noting that he has earned “the highest respect of the American Legion, Department of Connecticut.”

“Obviously this is kind of bittersweet getting this because … it was a pretty tragic event that happened,” Laudato said, expressing his appreciation for receiving the honor.

American Legion Hayes-Velhage Post 96 Junior Vice Commander Heidi-Anne Mooney (from left), Past Post Commander Jeff Cole, and Senior Vice Commander Jeff Linden. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

CT Firefighter of the Year award. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

CT Firefighter of the Year ceremony. June 22, 2021. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Firefighter/paramedic Rocco Laudato (left) with Assistant Chief Hugh O’Callaghan. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

Assistant Chief High O’Callaghan (left) and Chief Greg Priest. Photo credit: Ronni Newton

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