Firefighter hero honored amid trio of promotions

TORRINGTON — The Torrington Fire Department celebrated the promotion of three of its members and the efforts of an unsung hero Thursday night.

Deputy Fire Chief David Tripp, Assistant Chief Robert Shopey III and Lt. Randy Chesanek were pinned by loved ones during the ceremony, marking their ascension to new ranks in the department.

Tripp was promoted to deputy chief in February, succeeding the late Christopher Pepler, with Shopey and Chesanek rising in rank to fill the resulting void.

All three were sworn into their respective roles by Mayor Elinor Carbone Thursday, pledging to make their best efforts to serve residents and act in the role to the best of their ability.

Shopey, the son of former police officer and Winsted Fire Chief Robert Shopey, said he always wanted to follow in his father’s stead as a public servant, but was unsure which path to take.

He eventually settled on becoming a firefighter — he was hit by fireworks as a child, and wanted to try to make sure that didn’t happen to anyone else — and joined the Torrington Fire Department in 2010.

“(It’s) something I always wanted to do,” said Shopey.

Chesanek said he was excited to take on the new job. He started as a volunteer firefighter and knew quickly it was what he wanted to pursue as a career.

He joined the Torrington Fire Department in 1998, driven by “the satisfaction of being able to help people.”

Firefighter Andrew Corjulo was also presented with a Meritorious Service Award, and was praised for his dedication to his job and the department.

“This is a special award for someone who just comes to work every day (and) does his job, and his officers felt it should be brought here to you — and I agree,” said Fire Chief Gary Brunoli.

Corjulo said he always wanted to be a firefighter, driven by the same initiative that prompts others to do the job — a desire to help people. He joined the

Torrington Fire Department in 1995.

“It means a lot (to be recognized),” he said.

Lieutenant Mark Garrison made a point of praising Corjulo Thursday.

Garrison said he and Corjulo had worked together since 1997, when they were tailboard partners.

“Andy is the informal leader of the department, not only for his work ethic, but his professionalism as well,” said Garrison. “He is looked up to by everyone in the department.”

Garrison said that those with questions, especially young members of the department, seek out Corjulo for help.

“He’s a very committed individual,” said Garrison.

Ben Lambert / Hearst Connecticut Media The Torrington Fire Department recognized three recently promoted firefighters and celebrated an unsung hero Thursday evening at a meeting of the Board of Public Safety. Above, Deputy Fire Chief David Tripp is sworn in as his son Logan looks on.