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Ret. Asst. Chief Theodore “Ted” Schroll Jr.NVFC Lifetime Achievement Award Sponsored by ADT
Asst.
Chief Ted Schroll has never "just belonged" to anything he has been
involved with. Schroll is a dedicated fire service volunteer and works hard on
any assignment to make things better. He joined Wethersfield (CT) Fire
Department in 1960, working his way up from firefighter to acting chief, and
his energy and dedication are just as strong in 2021.
Although
Schroll retired as acting chief in 1999, he remains an active member of the
department. He has shared his knowledge within his local department, the
Connecticut State Firefighters Association (CSFA), and at the Connecticut state
capitol. He has served in all the executive positions for the state
association, as well as serving as CSFA’s legislative representative for over
25 years. Due to his thorough understanding of the legislative process, he was
able to represent CSFA without missing a beat during the COVID pandemic and
switch to online meetings.
Prior to
the pandemic, Schroll spent countless hours at the state capitol representing
CSFA and the fire service. He has been aggressive to secure not only
legislation, but also funding for construction and rehabilitation of
Connecticut’s regional fire schools. Schroll was instrumental, along with Chief
John McAuliffe, in securing state legislation that prohibits career departments
from forbidding their employees from volunteering in the communities they live.
Due to his legislative expertise, Schroll has been a resource to many other
state fire associations as well as the NVFC for legislative questions or
concerns.
Schroll also
currently serves as CSFA’s assistant secretary and credentials committee chair.
He is pivotal in organizing the yearly convention and makes it a family affair
with his wife, children, and even grandson assisting the credentials committee
at the convention.
Schroll
was inducted into the Connecticut State Firefighters Hall of Fame in 2010. In
addition to his work in the fire service, he served active duty in the United
States Air Force until 1960 and is a past president of the New England Section
of the International Municipal Signalman's Association (IMSA). Schroll has
exemplified commitment and dedication to the fire service on the local, state,
and national levels for over 61 years and will continue to do so for many more.
Many municipal workers in the Northeast started off maintaining the 100 mil Fire Alarm system. As times changed municipalities figured if we could work on Fire Alarm we could repair traffic signals. Today’s traffic signals require towns to hire professional staffing with license or certified personnel. Years ago it was policy “To pass the knowledge from one employee to the next”. While this worked in some ways, sometimes those employees who where passing the knowledge did the job for 20 plus years either never received or had very little updated training. National standards, state and local laws and codes are constantly being revised. Liability is at an all time high. There is a reason for every item that is used on the roadways. Placement of Traffic signals, signs and pavement markings are not just installed because they look good or someone thinks no one else has done this - so let’s try it.
Here in the New England Section the traffic side is getting larger everyday. IMSA provides certification, training and current updates on National Standards to its membership. This is done at our annual school and our section meetings. While the school covers National Standards (MUTCD, NEC, NESC) our section meetings hear from the membership on state and local changes.
The Traffic Committee of this Section includes not only Traffic, (Signals and Inspections) but also has Flagging, Work Zone Safety, Roadway Lighting, Signs and Markings. We are currently looking for more members to give us a hand at our school as moderators. We have the ability to offer up to 10 classes but we need your help. If you are interested or have any questions please contact either Jeff Knight or myself.
Dan Michalak - Chairman, New England Section Traffic Committee