West Hartford's Top 2025 Firefighter, Police Officer Honored Recently

WEST HARTFORD, CT — A local civic group recently honored one of West Hartford's finest and one of West Hartford's bravest in its annual "firefighter of the year/police officer of the year" awards.

The West Hartford Exchange Club April 2, named West Hartford Fire Department Paramedic Ryan Kelleher as the 2025 Firefighter of the Year.

According to West Hartford Firefighters Local 1241, Kelleher was honored for his role in saving lives in the community.

"Earlier this year, while commuting to work, Kelleher came upon a motor vehicle accident involving an unconscious patient still inside the passenger compartment and an engine fire that was rapidly intensifying," wrote the union.

"Without hesitation, Ryan gained access to the vehicle, extricated the patient to safety, and then worked to suppress the growing fire."

Kelleher was joined by his family and colleagues during the event.

Meanwhile, the West Hartford Exchange Club honored West Hartford Police Department Officer Robert Potz as this year’s police officer of the year.

According to the WHPD, Potz has been a member of the department since 2018.

Potz currently serves as a field training officer, a trustee of the West Hartford Police Officer Association Union Executive Board, and is the department’s court liaison.

"Please join us in congratulating Officer Potz for this well-deserved recognition," wrote the WHPD.