Ridgefield Names 'Firefighter Of The Year'

RIDGEFIELD, CT — Firefighter and EMT Michael Aurelia has been named the Ridgefield Fire Department’s 2025 Firefighter of the Year, an honor sponsored by the Exchange Club of Ridgefield.

Aurelia, a member of the department’s D Shift, was recognized for his professionalism, reliability, and initiative, according to the department. He is also known for mentoring newer firefighters and contributing to technical rescue training.

Lieutenant Seth Kellogg called Aurelia “a mentor for our newer members and a huge asset to the D shift,” while Chief Rommie Duckworth said Aurelia “represents exactly what this department and this town value most — quiet professionalism, pursuit of excellence, and a constant drive to serve.”

Assistant Chief Tony Cerulli added that Aurelia “leads by example” and that his “skill, attitude, and commitment lift everyone around him.”

The department expressed gratitude to the Exchange Club of Ridgefield for its continued support of local first responders.