New Hartford Fire Safety Educator Picked for State Award

A New Hartford volunteer firefighter will be recognized as the Fire Safety Educator of the Year, according to an announcement by a state association of firefighters.

William J. Wren, a 40-year veteran with local volunteer departments, will receive the award on Thursday from the Firemen’s Association of the State of New York, officials said.

The award ceremony will take place at the New Hartford Volunteer Fire Department on Oxford Road at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, and will help to commemorate his long and distringuished career in fire service, according to the organization’s announcement. .

Officials said that Wren has been an instructor at the state Fire Academy since 1999, and has been active in fire prevention education for students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Wren has also developed a program for students in junior and senior high school, including a program specifically tailored to high school seniors who will graduate and enter college, and who will then be responsible for their new surroundings and situations.

In addition to being a volunteer firefighter, Wren is a Marine Corps Vietnam veteran, according to the organization.

Wren retired from a 36-year career with the state Thruway Authority as a Thruway Plaza Manager earlier this year, according to FASNY.