Class of 2012
This year’s class includes the a
Civil War hero, a U.S. Representative, and Derby's ultimate fireman.
Their service to the community goes back to the Civil War and extends
right up to this year with the passing of Edward Cotter. Their military
service to the country includes the Civil War, WWI and WWII.
“We are proud of their legacy and wish to honor
their lives and their dedication to public service by inducting them
into Derby’s Hall of Fame.” said Mayor Staffieiri. “Each one in their
own inimitable way has shaped the course of our history.”
Their induction brings to 32 the number of people
in the Hall of Fame since it was started in 2007. The Derby Hall of Fame
is made up of Derby natives and residents who have helped to shape the
course of history through their achievements at the local, state,
national or international level. Each of these individuals selected was
either born in Derby or lived here at some point in his/her life. Derby
is the only town in the Valley to have a Hall of Fame to honor the
achievements of those who have lived in the city.
Click on the individual's name or picture to learn
more about this year's inductees.
Brief descriptions of the members of the Class of 2012:
Edward J. Cotter just may
be the ultimate firefighter and photojournalist in Derby
history.
He worked as a photographer for the
Evening Sentinel, the Connecticut Post and the New Haven
Register and covered virtually every newsworthy event that
happened in the lower Naugatuck Valley over his 50 year career.
Edward was the police photographer for
the Derby Police Department, founding father of the Storm Engine
Company Ambulance & Rescue Corps, Valley Emergency Medical
Services Paramedic Program, Valley Fire Chief’s Training School
and a longtime volunteer Derby firefighter, fire chief and fire
commissioner, He is already a member of the Connecticut
Firefighter’s Association Hall of Fame and the Connecticut
Journalism Hall of Fame. |
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Patrick Brett O'Sullivan
was the son of Derby's first mayor who went on to distinguish
himself as a lawyer, corporation counsel, naval veteran, state
senator, U.S. Representative, professor, judge and ultimately
the Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court. |
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William Burr Wooster
was a direct descendant of Derby's first permanent settler of
European descent who is best remembered as the Colonel of the
29th Regiment, C.V., Colored which distinguished itself in
several battles during the Civil War. In his role as a leading
citizen of Derby, he had a successful law practice, served in
both the State House of Representatives and Senate and served on
the boards of several of the leading businesses in the city. The
Hartford Courant called him "Derby's First Citizen" at the time
of his death in 1900. |
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For the full listing of Hall of Fame members,
click here.
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