Two Tewksbury Firefighters Honored for 30 Years of Dedicated Service

Two Tewksbury Firefighters were honored this week for 30 years of service to the department.

Firefighter Stephen M. Powers and Captain Michael W. Sitar Jr. were honored in a ceremony at the Dec. 18 Board of Selectmen meeting.

Fire Chief Michael Hazel said Powers, hired on Oct. 31, 1982, has served as an outstanding mentor and role-model to younger firefighters.

"Firefighter Powers is one of those guys that knows his job and can tell you what's right and maybe not so right on a fire scene," said Hazel. "It’s something we look for our senior members to do in positive way, to transfer their knowledge and experience to the younger members of the Department."

Hazel described Sitar as an officer and a leader willing to answer the call and go above and beyond.

"Captain Sitar continues to manage and take on more than anyone around here can imagine.  I mean that in the most respectful light," said Hazel. "Mike is a great guy and he always steps up when something needs to get done, especially when it’s a challenging task."

According to Hazel, the average age of firefighters on the Tewksbury Fire Department roster is 43.5 years old. And his firefighters have an average of 16.6 years of experience.