New London Elks Honor Firefighters

The No. 360 in New London set the stage for a for some deserving heroes in Eastern Connecticut recently, when 15 firefighters from Waterford, , Montville, East Lyme, and the Mohegan Tribe were recognized for their heroismin the line of duty.

The day was in memory of 'Ernie' Wallace. As the owner of Shipman's Fire Equipment Co., Wallace built the business from a small company to one of the most successful fire equipment businesses in the Northeast. He died in October.

"I am very honored to be here and I'd like to thank everybody for coming,"said New London Firefighter of the Year, Mike Leonard. He said he just wants to do his job and not take any honors.

"I see the camaraderie amongst the fellow firefighter," said Elks Exalted Ruler Michele Brighton. "This event is to thank the firefighters for the work they do everyday. This is mone of our favorite annual tradion we do every year."