Firehouse Magazine has selected Danbury Fire Chief Richard Thode as the grand prize winner of the Michael O. McNamee Award of Valor. The award reflects what it means to be brave in the face of danger. Because of Chief Thode’s courage and bravery, a man was rescued from a trench collapse that happened in Bethel back in May 2022, and made a full recovery. Mayor Dean Esposito said the Chief’s heroic efforts during the trench rescue saved a life and demonstrated how he goes above and beyond the call of duty every day to serve not only the residents of Danbury, but also others living in surrounding communities.