On this 24th anniversary of  9/11 we honored Concord's first responders with Concord Rotary's Al Filipov Award ceremony. Al was a valued member of our club, a community leader and a man who exemplified Rotary's values of service above self. In his memory we acknowledge first responders of the Concord police, fire and dispatcher departments. Each department chooses someone deserving of the Al Filpov Award for Courage and Service. This year's recipients were Firefighter Tim Lilley, Police Inspector Ron Holsinger, and Dispatcher Ryan Farrell. Rotary made a donation to a charity chosen by each recipient of the award. This year two of the charities chosen were Team Sharing in Ron Holsingers name and Tunnel to Towers in Ryan Farrell's name . A third charity will be the recipient of a donation in Tim Lilley's name.   Sharon Spaulding conceived of this event now in it's 10th year. She stated when asked, "I started the event to honor first responders and their courage and service in the name of Al. The Filipovs are close family friends and Al was a mentor to me."   

 

The day began under blue skies with Rotarian Carolyn Goff leading us in singing God Bless America, followed by the opening prayer with Father Dave O'Leary.  A welcome message from John Arena and reflections from Sharon Spaulding followed by the presentation of awards after which flowers were presented to Loretta Filipov and each first responder. Ann Trudeau spoke about the National Day of Service  and Rotary President Jeanne Armocida talked about what Rotary is all about. Closing reflections by Rick Copland rounded out the morning. Refreshments and coffee from Concord Teacakes were served and additional trays of pastries were sent back to the departments to share.