Avon FD Honors Women Firefighters For Women's History Month

AVON, CT — The Avon Volunteer Fire Department is marking Women's History Month by recognizing the contributions of women who have served in the department throughout its history.

In a March post on the department’s Facebook page, AVFD officials said more than 150 women have volunteered in some capacity with the department since 1943, when it was founded.

Women have served in a wide range of roles, including the Ladies Auxiliary, administrative support, Fire Police, firefighters, officers, board members, and department leadership.

Today, about 50 women — including retired members — are affiliated with the department, continuing a tradition of service that spans more than 80 years in Avon, Connecticut.

The department said it will highlight milestones, stories, and individual members throughout March on its social media pages as part of the observance.

As part of the series, the department noted that the first women to join AVFD were Cynthia Colton and Pam Griffin (Redman), who entered the department as cadets in 1976 and 1978, respectively.

Department officials said women “have always been part of our AVFD’s story” and continue to contribute to the organization today.