Features

Southbury Wetdown/Dedication for New Rescue 1

October 17, 2026 | CONNECTICUT BERNIE MEEHAN, Senior Correspondent

Photo by Bernie Meehan JrJD McAulay Accepts Dedication To New Rescue 1. Chief Hamila and Lyman Gilbert look on.

Photo by Bernie Meehan JrJD McAulay with "his" Rescue 1

Photo by Bernie Meehan Jr JD McAulay and Family

This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

The Southbury Volunteer Fire Association held a wetdown for their new Rescue 1, a 2026 Spartan/4Guys Heavy Rescue on October 17, 2026.

Dozens of friends, family, and fellow firefighters were in attendances as the new rescue paraded into the lot being escorted by the Police Pipes and Drums of Waterbury, along with their antique 1936 REO Engine. During the formal ceremony, senior member Lyman Gilbert acted as master of ceremony, introducing the truck and the process. Chief Bobby Hamila Jr then took the microphone and announced that the new Rescue was dedicated to member JD McAulay!

JD McAulay started his fire service career at age 16 with the Round Hill Fire Company, and joined Southbury in 2010. He has served as Lieutenant, Captain, and Chief Engineer. He was instrumental in developing the current engineer training protocols, ensuring operators fully understand apparatus functions before being cleared. Beyond his technical roles, McAuley has served on nine committees, including the rescue replacement committee responsible for this new Spartan truck.

BERNIE MEEHANSenior Correspondent

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