Reading honors its finest at annual Police and Fire Badge Pinning
New officers, promotions, years of service, and community partners recognized at the RMHS Performing Arts Center.
(2-3 minute read)
Reading Police Department Honor Guard presenting the colors on stage for the annual Police and Fire Badge Pinning ceremony. Photo from the RCTV Youtube page.
On Monday, May 18, the Reading Memorial High School Performing Arts Center filled with pride as the town gathered to recognize the officers, firefighters, dispatchers, and community partners who serve Reading every day. The annual Police and Fire Badge Pinning ceremony brought together members of the Reading Police and Fire Departments, their families, and town leadership for the evening of well-earned acknowledgment.
The ceremony opened with the Reading Police Honor Guard presenting the colors, accompanied by bagpipe players and drummers, who led RFD and RPD members into the hall. The national anthem was sung by Madeline Nelson, niece of Reading Fire Chief Rick Nelson, before the evening’s program got underway.
Town Manager Jayne Wellman set the tone in her opening remarks, reflecting on what it means to serve alongside Reading’s first responders. She noted that public safety departments are tied directly to longevity and quality of life in the community - protecting homes, families, and neighbors. She acknowledged the sacrifices made not just by officers and firefighters, but the families behind them, who give up holidays, birthdays, and milestones so their loved ones can serve.
Police Chief David Clark and Fire Chief Rick Nelson co-presided over the recognition of new hires and promotions across both departments, joined by Assistant Fire Chief John Keough and Deputy Chief Christine Amendola.
“No one succeeds in public safety alone - families, friends, and loved ones make sacrifices too.”
Promotions
Reading Fire Department
Captain Scott Dole | hired 1999 | promoted to Lieutenant June 2023 | promoted to Captain March 2026
Lieutenant Eric Beaulieu | hired 2016 | promoted to Lieutenant June 2025
Lieutenant Andrew Smith | hired 2022 | promoted to Lieutenant March 2026
Reading Police Department
Sergeant Noah Clark | hired 2021 | promoted to Sergeant 2025
New hires
Reading Fire Department
FF Tristan McPherson
FF Joseph Wilson
FF Jake DiGiovanni
FF Mason Parziale
Reading Police Department
Officer Adam Elmore
Officer Zachary Castilione
Officer Jordan Reyes-Deleon
Awards & honors
RPD 2025 Officer of the Year | Officer Joshua Graciale
RFD 2025 Firefighter of the Year | FF Adam O’Doherty
RPD 2025 Employee of the Year | Dispatcher Brad Mickle
David Savio Unsung Hero Award | Sergeant Ian Nelson
FD Distinguished Action Award | FF Dave Ferreira
FD Meritorious Service Award | FF Joe Wilson, FF Doug Coutu, FF Chris Smith
FD Unit Citation | James Street House Fire, January 2026 | Captain Scott Myette, Lt. Dana Ballou, FFs Paul Damacogno, Jim Kelly, Max Madden, Bill Madden, Antidio Vagas, Eric Bagby, Adam O’Doherty, and Lindsey Gartner
Service Awards
RFD | 25 Years of Service | Lt. Derek Loftus, Lt. Dana Ballou, Captain Paul Dalton, Captain Garret Antanavica
RFD | 20 Years of Service | Captain Dan Pouliot
Crossing Guard Recognition | 30+ Years of Service | Santina (Tina) Lantz, Cindy Asci
Crossing Guard Recognition | 15+ Years of Service | Richard (Dick) Prudente, Rosemary Voliante, Ann Lipchus
Outstanding EMS Providers | FF Adam O’Doherty, FF Karl Granoth, FF Evan Loreth, FF Marendy Vernet, FF Dave Ferreira, FF Jake DiGiovanni
Community recognition
Women’s League of Reading | recognized for their support of the RPD RAD Self-Defense Program
Trooper Tamar Bucci Memorial Fund | recognized for funding the RPD Youth Academy and the Backpack Program, which provides school supplies for Reading students in need
DPW Fleet Mechanics | Michael Pontone, Justin Berrett, Eric Redard, Bob DeMarco | recognized for keeping first responder vehicles safe and operational
Assistant District Attorney David Yasinovsky | nominated by the RPD Detective Unit for outstanding legal services provided to the department
Reading Coalition for Prevention & Support - Leaders in Action
Outstanding Youth Leaders | Allison Shindelman, Desmond Lethin
Rocket Leadership Award | Declan Grant, Jack Murphy
Chief Clark also took a moment to recognize State Representative Brad Jones, who is retiring at the end of his term at the State House, for his years of service and support of Reading’s public safety departments. Representative Jones and Haggerty were both in attendance.
