Thalia Byrne

I volunteer with the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD.) I love being part of a group that is innovative and forward thinking. I want   people in our town to know that the fire department allows any person to bring their own skills to the table without limits. Each person has something to offer, and there are a multitude of ways to hone in on those skills and benefit not just our department but the entire town. 

The NVFD began in 1902, and I am the first female lieutenant in the department’s 118 years. My grandfather, Richard Byrne, joined the department 55 years ago. His sons followed in his footsteps, and I in theirs. 

I’ve lived in Norfolk since I was born, and I’ve been volunteering with Norfolk Fire for 13 years.  I started at the age of 14 as a Fire Department Explorer (it’s now known as the Fire Cadet program for ages 14-18 years.)  During my time with the department, I held the position of vice president before becoming a  lieutenant. As a third-generation firefighter in this department, my favorite part is getting onto a fire truck responding to calls with both my father and my grandfather. 

Michael Fox

 I have been volunteering for a total of 20 years over three fire departments. I started as a Junior Firefighter at age 14 in 2003 with the North Canaan Fire Company and did my basic firefighter training with them when I was 18. I then joined Lakeville Fire Department. I moved to Norfolk when I was 26 and joined the Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, where I continued training. I moved up from firefighter to lieutenant, and then to captain, and have learned to drive  and operate the trucks and pumps.

Firefighting runs in my family, so I’ve always been around it. It’s a kid’s dream we get to live. There is a special bond we have among the firefighters, and the feeling of working hard with a great team knowing you can help someone out is great.

The NVFD is a very hardworking group that also likes to have fun. We have positions for everyone, from being an interior firefighter to a pump operator/driver, to helping cook for those big calls or helping at our events. We are grateful for the team we have, and we always welcome more volunteers to join with us.

Richard Byrne

My ancestors arrived in Norfolk in 1762 and built the house that still stands on the corner of Mountain Road and Sunset Ridge. I myself have lived in Norfolk the majority of my life, arriving before my first birthday. I have volunteered in many areas, including: 

Boy Scouts of America. I was scoutmaster for 13 years. The cabin at Meeker Town is our favorite winter camping destination.

Norfolk Historical Society. I have been with them for 47 years. I wrote a history of the Boy Scouts for Alice Waldecker’s book “History of Norfolk 1900-1976.” 

Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department. I have held all positions except chief over 55 years of service. I especially enjoy working with the Explorer/Cadet Firefighter program. 

Botelle School. I have volunteered here for 26 years as a math volunteer, writer’s workshop leader and person in charge of the Math Olympiad program.

I have been the Town of Norfolk emergency Management director for 18 years and a member of the 911 House Numbering Committee. I am president of the Norfolk Center Cemetery and also Norfolk’s Town Historian.

I am not and was not the singular person in any of these organizations, all of them required a group of people to come together to complete the mission, operation, assignment, task, job, duty. It does takes a community of volunteers to make a town.