Honorees

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Year Honored
2009
Honoree
Ronald H. Bruneau
Agency
Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association
Agency City
Wolcott
Agency State
CT
Last Call
8/17/07
Cause of Death
Infectious Disease Exposure
Biography
"Ron helped plant the seeds that started today's modern Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association." He was a mentor to each new member and trained all of them during his tenure. He used his personal swimming pool to help with training. He and his wife were a team when it came to devotion of community commitment. When the association needed a new ambulance, Ron put up his home as collateral. The EMS headquarters was renamed "The Ronald H. Bruneau Wolcott Emergency Medical Service Facility" in his honor.<br /> <br /> Ronald H. Bruneau, 61, died in the line of duty on August 17, 2007. On December 20, 1991 he responded to a vehicle accident. While performing his lifesaving duties, he came in contact with Hepatitis B infected blood. He began an aggressive fight against the disease, underwent a liver implant and continued to fight a courageous battle. However, side effects from medications and the liver transplant took his life.<br /> <br /> Bruneau was a charter and founding member of Wolcott Volunteer Ambulance Association. He was its original treasurer, holding this position for 27 years. He was also an instructor, training most emergency medical workers who joined the organization during the 70s and 80s. He was a state practical evaluator for the State of Connecticut's EMS Division. He had 30 years of service, 16 of them working while suffering from his illness. His son said, "Dad's mind was still there but his body simply gave out." He made the ultimate sacrifice.<br /> <br /> Honored 2009