As part of the annual Derby Day festivities, Mayor Anthony Staffieri is pleased to announce the selection of three new members to the Derby Hall of Fame. 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.
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.
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.

For the full listing of Hall of Fame members, click here.