136 Marsh Hill Road, Orange
ORANGE, Connecticut, September 3, 2025 – Orange Firefighter Eric Auscavitch and Bethany Firefighter Steven Kirschbaum (pictured left and right) have been named Firefighters of the Year for their respective towns and will be honored at the Amity Chamber of Commerce Community Awards and Annual Meeting.
Selected by the leadership teams of the Orange and Bethany Volunteer Fire Departments, Auscavitch and Kirschbaum will be presented their awards on September 25th at the Courtyard by Marriott, 136 Marsh Hill Road, Orange. Doors open at 8:30 am with a focused program and breakfast starting promptly at 9:00 am.
Orange Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas and Bethany Fire Chief Brent Ciccarelli will present the Amity Chamber of Commerce awards with members of both departments, elected officials, Chamber members, family, friends, and the general public in attendance.
Eric Auscavitch has been an active member of the Orange Volunteer Fire Association since 2012, where he has consistently demonstrated leadership, dedication, and service to the community. He has served as Assistant Chief and now leads as Chairman of the Equipment Committee, ensuring that the department’s apparatus and tools are maintained at the highest standards. In recognition of his service, he was honored as the association’s Firefighter of the Year in 2019.
Beyond the department, Auscavitch continues to advance his professional career and education. He is pursuing a master’s in public administration at the University of New Haven, is a graduate of the Bridgeport Hospital Paramedic Program, and currently serves as a Firefighter/Paramedic with the Branford Fire Department.
Dumas said, “Eric’s commitment to training, safety, and mentoring fellow firefighters has strengthened the organization and contributed to its continued success. Eric’s dedication to public safety and community embodies the very spirit of the fire service.”
Steven Kirschbaum is a ten-year member of the Bethany Volunteer Fire Department who started his career at 16 years old. He is a firefighter and EMT with the department, currently serving as the Captain of the Ambulance Corps. Kirschbaum has been named both Corpsman of the Year (2015) and Fireman of the Year (2017), along with numerous other recognitions for service and training.
The Bethany Volunteer Firemen’s Association provides both fire and EMS service to its community. Many members serve as both firefighters and EMS providers. Over the years, it has become increasingly difficult to maintain a full volunteer status during weekdays in the small community of Bethany.
Ciccarelli said, “Steven has worked hard to build a strong EMS program for our community through an era in which many of the volunteer ambulance services have closed their doors or converted to full-time, paid staffing. Steven has instituted a daytime staffing program to provide uninterrupted EMS coverage. He continuously works to upgrade the services by upgrading equipment, recruiting new members, and promoting education. Steven has selflessly served our community at the highest level throughout his years of service and has a true passion for EMS.”
While managing the day-to-day operations of the Ambulance Corps, Kirschbaum also works as a full-time dispatcher for Northwest Cmed and is working to complete his paramedic certification.
Amity Chamber Community Awards will also be presented to the Orange and Woodbridge Police Officers of the Year, Sergeant Vincent Landisio and Officer John Lalli, respectively. “Amity Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year” will also be honored and announced soon.
Amity Chamber Corporate Partners, including Avangrid (Platinum Level), The Milford Bank (Gold Level), and Coastal Bridge Advisors (Gold Level), are sponsoring this year’s event, along with Chamber members Baybrook Remodelers (Silver Level), Comcast Business (Silver Level), and 7 Brew Drive Thru Coffee (Bronze Level).
Tickets are only $50 each for Chamber members, police officers, firefighters, veterans, senior citizens, and their families. Admission includes a hot buffet breakfast and the opportunity to network with elected officials and fellow business and community leaders throughout the region. Seats are limited, and no tickets will be available for purchase at the door. Click this link to register today! https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/cmt86fu
