DeBisschop earns Citizenship Award

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John DeBisschop
John DeBisschop

NAUGATUCK — A lifetime of volunteering has brought one Naugatuck resident an award named after his mentor.

John DeBisschop III, a Naugatuck native and lieutenant with the Naugatuck Fire Department, will receive the Franklin Johnson Sr. Citizenship Award during a breakfast ceremony Nov. 13. The award is given annually by the borough to a resident who carries on the legacy of character and community service exemplified by its namesake — a veteran and borough icon.

“Frank Johnson Sr. was one of my mentors when I started getting involved in the American Legion,” DeBisschop said. “To receive the award based on the work he did means a great deal.”

After he graduated from Naugatuck High School, DeBisschop enlisted is the U.S. Navy and served as a damage controlman from January 1993 to January 1997.

When he returned home, DeBisschop joined the American Legion Post 17. He has served the legion as post commander, district commander and department vice commander among other appointments. He is currently the chairman of Post 17’s Americanism and Children and Youth Committees through which he is responsible for promoting Connecticut State Police Youth Week, American Legion Boy’s State and Naugatuck’s annual Halloween Parade.

In 2012, DeBisschop was elected as chairman of the Naugatuck Veterans Council. This is the same position that Johnson, the namesake of this award, served in for 19 years.

DeBisschop said giving back to the community is a trait that was instilled in him by his parents.

“I grew up in a volunteer household. My parents were always involved in our youth organizations, whether it was the Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts or church youth groups. That’s just the way I was raised,” DeBisschop said.

Mayor Robert Mezzo spoke highly of DeBisschop and said he was deserving of this award.

“I can think of no better person to be chosen for the Franklin E. Johnson Citizenship award. Mr. DeBisschop is an amazing individual who gives his heart and soul to his family, our veterans and our community. Someday when I reflect on being mayor and all the great people with whom I will have had the chance to work, John will rank at the top of that list,” Mezzo said.

Mayoral Aide Ed Carter said DeBisschop was chosen for the award because of his commitment to the community.

“John is a wonderful choice for this year’s award. His efforts towards the community have always been outstanding,” Carter said.

In addition to his work with veterans’ organizations, DeBisschop is also committee chairperson of Cub Scout Pack 109 and assistant scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 138. During the winter months, he also volunteers as a member of the National Ski Patrol at the Mount Southington Ski Area.

“I tend to thrive on being busy,” DeBisschop said. “It gives me an opportunity to stay active and stay involved.”

DeBisschop said he enjoys volunteering because he believes in the causes of the different organizations. He’s also concerned that if he doesn’t step up to volunteer there might be no one to fill his spot.

“In our current society there’s not enough people volunteering. I think it’s that much more important that I volunteer so I can do my part in keeping those organizations around and doing the good work they do,” DeBisschop said.

The Franklin Johnson Sr. Citizenship Award Mayoral Breakfast is Nov. 13 at 8:30 a.m. at Jesse Camille’s Restaurant, 615 North Church St. Tickets are $25 and all proceeds benefit American Legion Post 17.

To RSVP, contact Mayoral Aide Ed Carter at ecarter@naugatuck-ct.gov or (203) 720-7208.