OFFICER HISTORY

June 5, 2023: Front row from left is Second Assistant Chief Rob Sibley, First Assistant Chief Andy Ryan, Deputy Chief Ryan Clark, and Chief Anthony Capozziello. Standing from left is Engineer Brian Engelke, Second Engineer Bruce Clark, Vice President Matt Dobson, Engineers Chris Proulx and Luke Loudon, First Engineer Tim Whelan, Engineer Scott Allen, President Bradley Richardson, EMS Captain and Treasurer Karin Halstead, Assistant Treasurer John Jeltema, Lieutenant Archie Paloian, and Secretary Shannon Will. The term runs July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024.

OFFICER HISTORY

2023-24: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 5, 2023, the following were voted into Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024: Firefighting Branch — Chief, Anthony Capozziello; Deputy Chief, Ryan Clark; First Assistant Chief, Andy Ryan; Second Assistant Chief, Rob Sibley; Captain, Stephen Clark; Lieutenant, Archie Paloian; EMS Captain, Karin Halstead; and Engineers: Scott Allen, Brian Engelke, Craig Kampmier, Kyle Keeping, Luke Loudon, Chris Proulx, Leslie Richards, and Steven Stohl; and Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, entering his 23rd year in that position; Vice President: Matt Dobson; Secretary: Shannon Will; Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema; and Commissioner: Tim Whelan. 

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2022-23 UPDATED: Following the death on July 8 of Chief Bill Halstead, a special election of officers was conducted during the company meeting of Monday, July 18. The following were voted into Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company line officer positions, effective immediately and remaining in place until June 30, 2023: Chief, Anthony Capozziello; Deputy Chief, Ryan Clark; First Assistant Chief, Andy Ryan; Second Assistant Chief, Rob Sibley; Captain, Stephen Clark; Lieutenant, Archie Paloian. Additionally, Matt Dobson was elected the company’s Vice President. 

First and  Second Engineer, Engineers, EMS Captain, and the other Administrative Branch positions were not effected.

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2022-23: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 6, 2022, the following were voted into Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023: Firefighting Branch — Chief, Bill Halstead, who will be entering his 45th year in that position; Deputy Chief, Anthony Capozziello; First Assistant Chief, Ryan Clark; Second Assistant Chief, Andy Ryan; Captain, Rob Sibley; Lieutenant, Stephen Clark; First Engineer, Tim Whelan; Second Engineer, Bruce Clark; EMS Captain, Karin Halstead; and Engineers: Scott Allen, Brian Engelke, Craig Kampmier, Kyle Keeping, Luke Loudon, John Moore, Leslie Richards, and Steven Stohl; and Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, entering his 22nd year in that position; Vice President: Archie Paloian; Secretary: Shannon Will; Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema; and Commissioner: Tim Whelan.

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2021-22: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 7, 2021, officer elections were held. There were no changes for the upcoming year, so all officers will remain the same for the period of July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022:  Firefighting Branch — Chief, Bill Halstead, who will be entering his 44th year in that position; Deputy Chief, Anthony Capozziello; First Assistant Chief, Ryan Clark; Second Assistant Chief, Andy Ryan; Captain, Rob Sibley; Lieutenant, Stephen Clark; First Engineer, Tim Whelan; Second Engineer, Bruce Clark; EMS Captain, Karin Halstead; and Engineers: Scott Allen, Brian Engelke, Craig Kampmier, Kyle Keeping, Erica Knapp, John Moore, Leslie Richards, and Steven Stohl; and Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, entering his 21st year in that position; Vice President: Archie Paloian; Secretary: Shannon Will; Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema; and Commissioner: Tim Whelan.

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2020-21: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 15, 2020, the following were voted into Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2020, through June 30, 2021: Firefighting Branch — Chief, Bill Halstead, who will be entering his 43rd year in that position; Deputy Chief, Anthony Capozziello; First Assistant Chief, Ryan Clark; Second Assistant Chief, Andy Ryan; Captain, Rob Sibley; Lieutenant, Stephen Clark; First Engineer, Tim Whelan; Second Engineer, Bruce Clark; EMS Captain, Karin Halstead; and Engineers: Scott Allen, Brian Engelke, Craig Kampmier, Kyle Keeping, Erica Knapp, John Moore, Leslie Richards, and Steven Stohl; and Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, entering his 20th year in that position; Vice President: Archie Paloian; Secretary: Shannon Will; Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema; Commissioner: Tim Whelan.

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2019-20: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 3, 2019, the following were voted into Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2019, through June 30, 2020: Firefighting Branch — Chief, Bill Halstead, who will be entering his 42nd year in that position; Deputy Chief, Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief, Ryan Clark; 2nd Assistant Chief, Andy Ryan; Captain, Rob Sibley; Lieutenant, Karl Sieling Jr; 1st Engineer, Tim Whelan; 2nd Engineer, Bruce Clark; EMS Captain, Karin Halstead; and Engineers: Stephen Clark, Kyle Degenhardt, Brian Engelke, Kyle Keeping, Erica Knapp, John Moore, Leslie Richards, and Steven Stohl; and Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, entering his 19th year in that position; Vice President: Archie Paloian; Secretary: Shannon Will; Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema; Commissioner: Tim Whelan.

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2018-19: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 4, 2018, the following were voted into firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2018, through June 30, 2019: Firefighting Branch — Chief: Bill Halstead, who will be entering his 41st year in that position; Deputy Chief, Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief, Ryan Clark; 2nd Assistant Chief: Andy Ryan; Captain: Pete Barresi; Lieutenant: Scott Allen; 1st Engineer: Tim Whelan; 2nd Engineer: Stephen Clark; Engineers: Sean Donnelly, Andy DeWolfe, Mark DeWolfe, Kyle Degenhardt, Brian Engelke, Kyle Keeping, Erica Knapp, John Moore, and Karl Sieling Jr; and EMS Captain: Karin Halstead; Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, who is entering his 18th term in this position; Vice President: Archie Paloian; Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema; Secretary: Shannon Will; and Commissioner: Tim Whelan.

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2017-18: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 5, 2017, the following were voted into firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2018: Firefighting Branch — Chief: Bill Halstead, who will be entering his 40th year in that position; Assistant Chief, Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief, Mike Burton, Sr; 2nd Assistant Chief: Ryan Clark; Captain: Kevin Stoyak; Lieutenant: Andy Ryan; 1st Engineer: Matt Dobson; 2nd Engineer: Tim Whelan; Engineers: Scott Allen; Stephen Clark, Sean Donnelly, Andy DeWolfe, Brian Engelke, Erica Knapp, George Lockwood Jr, John Moore, and Randy Muller; and EMS Captain: Karin Halstead; Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, who is entering his 17th term in this position; Vice President: Archie Paloian;  Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema; Secretary: Shannon Will; and Commissioner: Tim Whelan.

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2016-17: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 6, 2016, the following were voted into firefighting branch and administrative officer positions for the period of July 1, 2016, through June 30, 2017: Firefighting Branch — Chief: Bill Halstead, who will be entering his 39th year in that position; Assistant Chief, Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief, Mike Burton, Sr; 2nd Assistant Chief: Ryan Clark; Captain: Kevin Stoyak; Lieutenant: Andy Ryan; 1st Engineer: Matt Dobson; 2nd Engineer: Tim Whelan; Engineers: Scott Allen; Stephen Clark, Sean Donnelly, Brian Engelke, George Lockwood Jr, Randy Muller, Matt Roberto, and Steven Stohl; and EMS Captain: Karin Halstead; Administrative Branch — President: Brad Richardson, who is entering his 16th term in this position; Vice President: Archie Paloian;  Treasurer: Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer: John Jeltema;  Secretary: Shannon Hicks; and Commissioner: Tim Whelan.

2015-16: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 1, 2015, the following were voted into firefighting branch and administrative officer positions: Firefighting Branch — Chief Bill Halstead; Assistant Chief Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief Mike Burton; 2nd Assistant Chief Ryan Clark; Captain Kevin Stoyak; Lieutenant John Jeltema; 1st Engineer Matt Dobson; 2nd Engineer Tim Whelan; EMT Captain Karin Halstead; and Engineers: Stephen Clark, Brian Engelke, Brandon Gonzalez, George Lockwood Jr, W. Randy Muller, Matt Roberto, Andrew Ryan and Steven Stohl; Administrative Branch — President Brad Richardson; Vice President George Lockwood Sr; Treasurer Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer John Jeltema; Secretary Karin Halstead; and Commissioner Tim Whelan.                             

2014-15: During the annual company meeting on Monday, June 2, 2014, the following were voted into firefighting branch and administrative officer positions: Firefighting Branch — Chief Bill Halstead; Assistant Chief Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief Mike Burton; 2nd Assistant Chief Ryan Clark; Captain John Jeltema; Lieutenant Kevin Stoyak; 1st Engineer Matt Dobson; 2nd Engineer Tim Whelan; EMT Captain Karin Halstead; and Engineers Scott Allen, Stephen Clark, Brian Engelke, John Fellin, George Lockwood Jr, W. Randy Muller, Matt Roberto and Steven Stohl; Administrative Branch — President Brad Richardson; Vice President George Lockwood Sr; Treasurer Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer John Jeltema; Secretary Karin Halstead; and Commissioner Tim Whelan.

2013-14: During its annual meeting on Monday, June 3, 2013, the firefighting branch and administrative officers were voted on: Firefighting Branch — Chief Bill Halstead; Assistant Chief Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief Kevin Stoyak; 2nd Assistant Chief Mike Burton; Captain Ryan Clark; Lieutenant John Jeltema; 1st Engineer Matt Dobson; 2nd Engineer Tim Whelan; EMP Captain Karin Halstead; and Engineers Stephen Clark, Brian Engelke, John Fellin, George Lockwood Jr, W. Randy Muller, Rob Sibley, Karl Sieling Jr, and Steven Stohl; Administrative Branch — President Brad Richardson; Vice President George Lockwood Sr; Treasurer Karin Halstead; Assistant Treasurer John Jeltema; Secretary Karin Halstead; and Commissioner Mike Burton.

2012-13: During its annual meeting on Monday, June 4, 2012, the firefighting branch and administrative officers were voted on: Firefighting Branch — Chief Bill Halstead; Assistant Chief Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief Kevin Stoyak; 2nd Assistant Chief Mike Burton; Captain John Jeltema; Lieutenant Ryan Clark; 1st Engineer Matt Dobson; 2nd Engineer Tim Whalen; EMS Captain Karin Halstead; and Engineers Stephen Clark, Brian Engelke, John Fellin, George Lockwood Jr., Randy Muller, Rob Sibley, Karl Sieling Jr., Steven Stohl; Administrative Branch — President, Brad Richardson; Vice President, George Lockwood Sr.; Treasurer, Karin Halstead; Secretary, Karin Halstead; and Commissioner, Mike Burton. Terms take effect July 1, 2012.

2011-12: During its annual meeting on June 6, 2011, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company voted in the company’s slate of officers for the 2011-12 session. Terms take effect July 1. Bill Halstead will remain as chief for another term, entering his 34th year in that position. Following are the additional firefighting officers: Anthony Capozziello, assistant chief; Kevin Stoyak, first assistant chief; Mike Burton, second assistant chief; John Jeltema, captain; Ryan Clark, lieutenant; Matt Dobson, first engineer; Tim Whelan, second engineer; Karin Halstead, EMS captain; and engineers Stephen Clark, Brian Engelke, Ryan Lasher, George Lockwood Jr, Randy Muller, Robert Sibley, Karl W. Sieling, Jr and Steve Stohl. The administrative branch of the company will be as follows: Brad Richardson, president; George Lockwood Sr, vice president; Bill Jensen, assistant treasurer; Karin Halstead, secretary; and Mike Burton, commissioner.

2010-11: During its annual meeting on June 7, 2010, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company voted in the company’s slate of officers for the 2010-11 session. Terms take effect July 1. Bill Halstead will remain as chief for another term. Following are the additional firefighting officers: Anthony Capozziello, assistant chief; Jeff Steinebrey, first assistant chief; Mike Burton, second assistant chief; Kevin Stoyak, captain; John Jeltema, lieutenant; Matt Dobson, first engineer; Tim Whelan, second engineer; Karin Halstead, EMS captain; and engineers Ryan Cark, Dick Conrod, Brian Engelke, Ryan Lasher, George Lockwood Jr, Randy Muller, and Steve Stohl. The administrative branch of the company will be as follows: Brad Richardson, president; George Lockwood Sr, vice president; John Jeltema, treasurer; Karin Halstead, secretary; and Mike Burton, commissioner.

2009-10: During its annual meeting on June 1, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company voted in the company’s slate of officers for the 2009-10 session. Officers’ terms will take effect July 1.

Bill Halstead will remain as chief for another term.

Following are the additional firefighters and their offices: Anthony Capozziello, assistant chief; Jeff Steinebrey, first assistant chief; Mike Burton, second assistant chief; Kevin Stoyak, captain; John Jeltema, lieutenant; Matt Dobson, first engineer; Tim Whalen, second engineer; Karin Halstead, EMS captain; and engineers: Vinny Capozziello, Ryan Clark, Quinn Fontaine, George Lockwood Jr, Randy Mueller, Steve Stohl, Jim Webb, and Steve White.

The administrative branch of the fire company will be as follows: Brad Richardson, president; George Lockwood, Sr, vice president; John Jeltema, treasurer; Dennis Brinkmann, assistant treasurer; Karin Halstead, secretary; and Mike Burton, commissioner.

2008-09: Bill Halstead will remain as chief for another term.

Following are the additional firefighters and their offices: Assistant Chief, Anthony Capozziello; 1st Assistant Chief, Jeff Steinebrey; 2nd Assistant Chief, Mike Burton; Captain, Kevin Stoyak; Lieutenant, John Jeltema; 1st Engineer, Matt Dobson; 2nd Engineer, Tim Whalen; EMS Captain, Karin Halstead; and Engineers: Garrett Clark, Brian Cullinan, Teddy Gissen, George Lockwood Jr, Randy Mueller, Steve Stohl, Jim Tani and Steve White.

The Administrative Branch of the fire company will be as follows: President, Brad Richardson; Vice President, George Lockwood Sr; Treasurer, Gregg Wold; Assistant Treasurer, John Jeltema; Secretary, Karin Halstead; and Commissioner, Mike Burton.

2007-08: The members of Sandy Hook Fire & Rescue Company voted in new officers for the 2007-08 term during the company’s annual meeting on June 4, 2007, with positions to go into effect on July 1.

The elected positions are President Brad Richardson; Vice President George Lockwood, Sr; Treasurer John Jeltema; Assistant Treasurer Gregg Wold; Secretary Karin Halstead; and Commissioner Michael Burton.

Also, Chief Bill Halstead; Assistant Chief Kent Bonsignore; First Assistant Chief Jeff Steinebrey; Second Assistant Chief Michael Burton; Captain Kevin Stoyak; Lieutenant John Jeltema; First Engineer Anthony Capozziello; Second Engineer Matt Dobson; EMS Captain Karin Halstead; Engineers Steve Stohl, Gregg Wold, Al Lewis, George Lockwood, Jr, Dave De La Vega, Brian Cullinan, and Randy Mueller.

2006-07: The Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company held its annual meeting, including the elections of officers, on June 5, 2006. The positions will take effect on July 1.

They are Chief Bill Halstead, Sr; Assistant Chief Kent Bonsignore; First Assistant Chief Henry Velthuizen; Second Assistant Chief Jeff Steinebrey; Captain Michael Burton; Lieutenant Kevin Stoyak; Chief Engineer Anthony Capozziello; Assistant Chief Engineer Matt Dobson.

Also elected were: Engineers John Jeltema, George Lockwood, Jr, Steve Stohl, Randy Mueller, Tom Paloian, Quinn Fontaine, Rylan McCollum, and Jerry Dachenhausen; and EMS Captain Karin Halstead; President Brad Richardson; Vice President George Lockwood, Sr; Secretary Karin Halstead; Treasurer Kevin Stoyak; Assistant Treasurer John Jeltema; and Fire Commissioner Michael Burton.

(records missing)

2004-05: Bill Halstead was elected to another two-year term as chief of SHVF&R during the company’s annual meeting on June 7, 2004. When he starts his new term on July 1, Chief Halstead will be entering his 26th year as the fire company’s chief. He has been a member of the company for 39 years.

Fire company members elected 21 officers during their annual meeting and dinner. All officers, other than the chief, were elected to one-year terms.

Elected to firefighting officer positions were: Kent Bonsignore, assistant chief; Henry Velthuizen, first assistant chief; Jeff Steinebrey, second assistant chief; Mike Burton, captain; Don Roos, lieutenant; Anthony Capozziello, first chief engineer; Matt Dobson, second chief engineer; engineers John Jeltema, George Lockwood Jr, Randy Muller, Paul Pavelo, Steve Stohl, Kevin Stoyak, and Brandon Walsh; and EMS Captain BJ Halstead.

Elected as the fire company’s administrator officers were: Brad Richardson, president; George Lockwood Sr, vice president; Karin Halstead, secretary; Kevin Stoyak, treasurer; and John Jeltema, assistant treasurer.

2003-04: The new officers of Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company for the timeframe of July 1, 2003-June 30, 2004 were voted on by company members in June.

The administrative branch is as follows: President Ken Carlson, Vice President George Lockwood Sr, Secretary Karin Halstead, Treasurer Brad Richardson, Assistant Treasurer Kevin Stoyak, and Commissioner BJ Halstead.

The firefighting branch will be led into action for another year by Chief Bill Halstead. Additional firefighting officers are: Assistant Chief Kent Bonsignore, 1st Assistant Chief Henry Velthuizen, 2nd Assistant Chief Jeff Steinebrey, Captain Mike Burton, Lieutenant Don Roos, EMS Captain BJ Halstead, and Engineers Anthony Capozziello (1st Engineer), Chuck Kilson (2nd Engineer), Matt Dobson, John Jeltema, George Lockwood Jr, Danielle Mikula, Steve Stohl, Kevin Stoyak, and Paul Pavelo.

2002-03: Members of the Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue Company conducted company elections in June, re-electing Fire Chief Bill Halstead to another two-year term as the fire company’s leader. Re-elected to one-year terms were: Assistant Chief Kent Bonsignore; First Assistant Chief Henry Velthuizen; Second Assistant Chief Scott Lee; Captain Mark Purcell; Lieutenant Jeff Steinebrey; First Engineer Michael Heneghan; and Second Engineer Anthony Capozziello.

Fire company members elected BJ Halstead to the new position of Emergency Medical Services Captain.

Elected as engineers were Michael Burton, Greg Canale, Matt Dobson, Chuck Kilson, Danielle Mikula, Paul Pavelo, and Kevin Stoyak. Mikula and Stoyak are new engineers; all others were re-elected.

Also re-elected were administrative officers: President, George Lockwood Sr; Vice President, Jim Shpunt; Secretary, Karin Halstead; and Treasurer, Brad Richardson. Kevin Stoyak was newly elected to the post of Assistant Treasurer.

BJ Halstead is serving a three-year term as the company’s representative on the Board of Fire Commissioners.