Second Assistant Chief Andy Ryan was named Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue’s 2019 Firefighter of the Year. Before being elected second assistant chief in 2018, Ryan served as a lieutenant for two years. Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue is an all-volunteer agency, led by Chief Bill Halstead, that provides support to Newtown’s fire companies, as well as mutual aid to surrounding communities. Its main station is at 18-20 Riverside Road, and its substation is at 249 Berkshire Road. The fire company was formally organized in June 1938, and its Articles of Association were filed in March 1939.