Tolland Fire Department Celebrates 2 Milestones Thursday

TOLLAND, CT — The Tolland Fire Department Thursday celebrated two milestones for two longtime members.

Betsy Tanner has reached 20 years of service and John Littell 35 years.

Tanner

We would like to congratulate Special Member Betsy Tanner today, May 1, 2025, for reaching 20 years of service! Betsy has been employed by the Town of Tolland since September, 2003. Betsy joined TFD on May 1, 2005 to assist the department with administrative duties and now serves as the Executive Secretary for the Public Safety - Fire Department. Betsy has served on multiple committees over the years, including as Secretary on the Board of Directors. In her faithful service to the department, Betsy has always gone above and beyond in her administrative work, as well as in doing so much more behind the scenes. Thank you for your service and congratulations on reaching this milestone, Betsy. We look forward to your continued service!

Littell

We would like to congratulate Fire Chief John Littell today, May 1, 2025, for reaching 35 years of service to the Tolland Fire Department. Chief Littell started off as a volunteer with the Tolland Fire Department in May, 1990 and was hired as a paid Public Safety Officer (Firefighter/EMT) on March 30, 1992. Chief reached the rank of Lieutenant in 1993, Captain in 1996, Deputy Chief in 1998, and Fire Chief in 2000. A year later in 2001, Chief was promoted to the position of Public Safety Supervisor in addition to serving as volunteer Fire Chief. Today he serves as the Director of Public Safety/Emergency Management Director where he is responsible for running the day-to-day operations of the Tolland Fire Department and supervising the paid Public Safety Officers, Fire Marshal, Animal Control Officers, and administrative staff. Chief Littell is from a family of dedicated firefighters including his father, brother, uncles, great uncle, and grandfather. Each family member reached the rank of chief officer. Chief Littell is highly motivated, dedicated, and is at the call 24/7 always placing members of the community first by responding to the emergency needs of people at any hour of the day. Congratulations Chief and we look forward to your continued service!