Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce-2013 Michael L. Green Award

Chandler Howard, Chairman of the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce, has announced the 2013 recipient of the Michael L. Green Award. The Michael L. Green Award is presented annually to a member of the police or fire community for his or her outstanding service to the community and to the Middlesex County Chamber of Commerce. The 2013 recipient of the Michael L. Green Award is Lieutenant Todd R. Ghent of The Portland Fire Department. Lieutenant Ghent, a life-long Portland resident, joined the town’s fire department at age 17 and has served with honor for over 32 years. He is a member of the Portland Fire Department Training Committee and Honor Guard, and has held the rank of Lieutenant for over 12 years. In January of 2011, Lieutenant Ghent responded to a report of a possible gas leak which turned out to be a leaking underground propane tank. As he and his fellow firefighters evacuated the area and attempted to address the situation, an invisible cloud of propane gas ignited leaving Todd trapped in a ball of fire. Out of instinct, Lieutenant Ghent held his breath, retained his composure, and dove into a nearby snow bank, which put out the searing hot flames that covered his body. While he came away from this terrible accident with second and third degree burns to his head, face and neck, if Todd had not been a well-trained firefighter with top notch instincts, it could have been much worse. Lieutenant Ghent was recognized by the Portland Fire Department as the “Firefighter of the Year” and was honored at the Connecticut District Exchange Clubs Salute to Connecticut’s Bravest event for his commitment to public safety, fire prevention, and acts of courage. He was awarded the Medal of Commendation for his actions on that terrible winter’s day, and has also been awarded the Medal of Merit from the City of Middletown for a Low Angle Rescue. Todd has been married to his wife Renee for 19 years, and they have 16 year old daughter, Amanda. He is the Owner of Ghent’s Tree & Lawn Service LLC, enjoying, golfing and hunting in his spare time. Lieutenant Todd R. Ghent is a worthy recipient of the 2013 Michael L. Green Award. The Chamber’s Michael L. Green Award recipient will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Awards Dinner event, to be held on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Crowne Plaza Cromwell. For more information, please visit www.middlesesxchamber.com or contact the Chamber office at 860-347-6924 or info@middlesexchamber.com.