Avon Fire Department Swears In New Chief, Officers

Information and image via Avon Volunteer Fire Department

AVON, CT - On Tuesday evening, January 15, 2019, Bruce Appell was sworn in as Chief of the Avon Volunteer Fire Department (AVFD). The 33-year member of the Department succeeds Michael Trick who served as Chief for eight years.

A lifelong resident of Avon, Appell is in his 23rd year as a career firefighter. He joined the AVFD as a Cadet in late 1986. During his time with the Department, Appell has served 22 years as a chief officer – he has been a lieutenant and a captain at Company 3, a captain at Company 4, a deputy chief, and an assistant chief.

“I have always enjoyed helping people,” says Chief Appell. “As a kid, I used to paint the jail cells for Retired Police Chief Martino during the summer.”

During his time with the AVFD, Appell has served under four of the eight Chiefs to come before him. He has worked on nearly every committee at one time or another and has been involved with the Department’s apparatus replacement efforts for the last 30 years.

As chief, Appell will lead the AVFD’s continued focus on training and the health and wellness of its members, protection and fire safety education of the residents of Avon, recruitment of new members, replacement of apparatus, and overall Department excellence.

Appell is married and has two children.

In his first official act as Chief, Appell promoted the following officers:

Captain Ken Sedlak to Assistant Chief. Assistant Chief Sedlak joined the AVFD in 2002. He has been a member of the Board of Directors and served as president from 2012-2013. He was promoted to Fire Police Lieutenant in 2011 and Captain in 2015.

Captain Ramona Mansfield to Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Mansfield joined the AVFD in 2009. She been a member of the Board of Directors and served as Secretary from 2013-2014. She was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013 and Captain in 2016.

Captain Aaron Gelber to Deputy Chief. Deputy Chief Gelber joined the AVFD in 2008. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2013 and Captain in 2016.

Headquarters Director Lynn Sedlak to Captain. Lynn Sedlak joined the AVFD in 2005. She has served on the Board of Directors and became headquarters director in 2012.

Lieutenant Gina Kline to Captain. Captain Kline joined the AVFD in 2004. She has served as the Explorer advisor as well as been a member of the Board of Directors. Kline was promoted to Lieutenant in 2017.

Lieutenant Robert Sanderson to Captain. Captain Sanderson joined the AVFD in 2016. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2017.

Fire Police Lieutenant Andrew Bloom to Captain. Captain Bloom joined the AVFD as a member of the Fire Police in 2012. He was promoted to Lieutenant in 2017.

Firefighter Luis Lema to Lieutenant. Lieutenant Lema joined the AVFD as an Explorer in 2015. He became a regular member in 2017.

Firefighter Francesco Lupis, MD, to Lieutenant. Lieutenant Lupis joined the AVFD in 2016. In his new position he will serve as a leader in the Medical Division.