On Saturday, Oct. 4 the Cohanzie Fire Department Pavilion will be host to the first Lowell “Buddy” Turner Memorial Concert from 3 to 6 p.m. Turner, a well-known local fire fighter, passed away on Sept. 14 at the age of 41 after a five-year fight with cancer, leaving behind a wife and two sons.
Known for his bravery, selflessness, and big heart, Turner earned his reputation working as a fire officer, fire instructor, and EMT for the North Stonington and Old Mystic fire departments. Mary Pratt, who had worked with Turner in the past and is running the PR for the memorial concert, explained just how much of an effect Turner had on people.
“I met Buddy for the first time just this past June,” Pratt said. “I’m the co-chair for Relay for Life on the New London shoreline, and he had put a team together. Even though I’d only known him such a short while, it was evident to me what a special guy he was. I’ve never met anyone that has affected me like him, you know? I think anyone who knew him thought he was going to pull through, just because that’s the kind of person he was. Sadly he didn’t.”
According to those who knew him, Turner’s passion was fire-fighting and anything else he could do to help others, even if it was as simple giving directions or as dangerous as risking his life to save someone else’s. His bravery, skill, and heart earned him multiple Firefighter of the Year awards, and Governor M. Jodi Rell awarded him the Good Samaritan Award.
The “Be A Buddy” Fund was created years ago by Turner and his fellow firefighters and raises money yearly to benefit firefighters and their families. The Memorial Concert is free to the public and will feature the local country-rock band, Jay Dempsey and Highway Call. Donations will be accepted.
“Jay Dempsey and Highway Call have volunteered to play for free,” Pratt said. “There’s going to be food, hotdogs and hamburgers, that sort of thing, and there will be a silent auction. We’re hoping people come out for some great music and to remember a wonderful guy who dedicated his life to serving his community.”
The Cohanzie Fire Department Pavilion is located at 53 Dayton Road in Waterford (across from the Crystal Mall).