The Glastonbury Volunteer Fire Department honored Acting Chief Michael Thurz as its Firefighter of the Year at a banquet presented by the Glastonbury Exchange Club last Thursday .

“ It’s only fitting that I accept this honor on behalf of all the members of the GVFD , ” Thurz said , calling the department his “ extended family . ” “ There is a special bond that is created by joining our department , ” he said .

Thurz said he owes his success to the support given to him by his wife of 16 years, Kathleen , and their three children , Allison , Nichole and Ryan .

Town Manager Richard Johnson read a proclamation from the Town Council , which he called “ well deserved , ” and offered his personal congratulations .

“ We all know the challenges of balancing a full-time job , a family , and the dedication required to be a member of the fire service , and it’s not easy . ” Johnson said . “ Mike has certainly done this very well for 24 years, and has served with distinction . ”

Johnson also thanked the Exchange Club for its donation that enabled the town to continue the Flags on Main program .

State Rep . Tom Kehoe presented a legislative proclamation , which was introduced by himself , Rep . Jason Rojas and Sen . Mary Ann Handley .

The proclamation praised Thurz’s numerous accomplishments , including his role in the procurement of more than $ 300 , 000 in federal funding for an air compressor and 60 self-contained breathing apparatus .

“ I think the volunteer fire department is a very uniquely American institution , ” Kehoe said to the firefighters . “ All of us in Glastonbury appreciate the training and the time that all of youput in . ”

While volunteering for the department , Thurz is vice-president at Webster Bank in the commercial real estate department . Thurz is also coach of his daughter’s soccer team . He is also just completing his MBA from the University of Hartford .

Exchange Club President Christian Reilly said that Thurz played an integral role in the fundraising and design of the department’s training tower . Reilly also read a citation from Gov . M . Jodi Rell . “ You’ve been a role model for all citizens to follow , ” the citation read .

Thurz is the tenth recipient of the award . Two plaques listing all of the past winners will be on display at town hall and at one of the fire companies .

According to the GVFD , Thurz was selected for his leadership , dedication , and continued service to the town of Glastonbury . Chief Thurz has served in numerous capacities during his tenure as a Glastonbury firefighter . He has assumed greater responsibility as he has moved through the ranks of the department .

Thurz is a third-generation member of the GVFD . He has served as Engineer and Lieutenant , and as one of the Department’s first Battalion Chiefs .

In November 2003 , Thurz was promoted to Deputy Chief , before advancing to the rank of Assistant Chief , in which he served until last December , when he was named Acting Fire Chief .

Contact Steve Smith at ssmith@remindernet . com .