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09/23/2016 09:42 AMOn Wednesday, Oct. 5, the Exchange Club of Branford hosts the third annual Honoring Shoreline Heroes; while also widening the scope of recognition to add first responders from East Haven for the first time. The event will honor some of the finest and bravest serving the towns of Branford, North Branford, Guilford and East Haven.
Event organizer Jack Mushin said the club, which is only 15 members strong, is also the only Exchange Club among the four towns, and members felt it was important to recognize as many area local heroes who serve the shoreline as possible. Mushin helped gather the first Shoreline Heroes event in Branford three years ago.
The first Honoring Shoreline Heroes event was mounted as part of the 65th anniversary year of Exchange Club of Branford. The club reached out to recognize police and fire department members not only from Branford but also North Branford and Guilford. The popular program now also welcomes East Haven, which will be a part of the annual event going forward, said Mushin.
"There are no Exchange Clubs in Guilford, North Branford or East Haven," said Mushin. "It's become something they all look forward to, and a chance to honor a hero from each department. We're happy to be adding East Haven this year, they're honoring two people who did something heroic."
Honoring Shoreline Heroes not only recognizes acts of heroism or bravery in the line of duty, but also serves to thank the men and women nominated by each town's police and fire departments for other worthwhile efforts and actions, such as community service involvement.
"We're honoring them because these are people that go above and beyond," said Mushin.
The 2016 Shoreline Heroes are: Branford firefighter/paramedic Dante Ghiroli, Branford Police Office Matthew Clerkin; East Haven Police Sgt. Joseph D. Mulhern, East Haven Firefighter Scott Gravino and Firefighter/Paramedic Chris Rosa; Guilford Firefighter/Paramedic James Considine, Guilford Police Department Lt. Robert Robinson; North Branford Fire Department Asst. Chief Mark D. Amatrudo and North Branford Police Detective/Sgt. Sean Anderson.
Last year's event drew 250 people and Branford Exchange Club hopes to fill the ballroom at Woodwinds of Branford on Oct. 5 with a crowd of supporters, family and friends to help recognize these heroes on their special night. The honorees will once again be led in by New Haven County Emerald Society Pipe & Drum Band. The night's guests will include local and state leaders, with speakers including returning speaker Dr. Henry Lee, Forensic Scientist & Chief Emeritus, CT State Police.
The Exchange Club of Branford is one of more than 30 chapters in Connecticut and 700 chapters spanning the U.S. and Puerto Rico with more than 21,000 members. An all-volunteer civic group, Exchange promotes programs in Americanism, community service, and youth activities, with its largest priority being preventing child abuse. The Branford Exchange Club recently donated funds to the Branford High School(BHS) Girls Swim Team, BHS Model Congress and BHS Field Hockey Team and presents high school scholarships. The club also donates funds to Bristol Hospital's Child Abuse Center.
The Exchange Club of Branford presents Honoring Shoreline Heroes on Wednesday, Oc. 5, at Woodwinds, 29 Schoolground Road Branford. Hors d'oeuvres begin at 6 p.m.; dinner and program at 7 p.m. For tickets ($40 in advance or $45 at the door, as available), email art.promotions1@gmail.com or call (203) 901-7982.