Passing of Richard “Hutch” Hutchings
This past weekend Chief Richard Hutchings ascended his final ladder to heaven’s gate.
Chief Hutchings or “Hutch” as he was known by many passed away at home on Friday, Feb. 23, 2024. Hutch’s service to his fire service community is unparalled. Having joined the Collinsville Volunteer Fire Dept in January of 1977 as a ‘newbie’, Hutch never looked back. Rising through the ranks of the FD was a natural fit for Hutch as he had worked professionally in the health care industry first as an Emergency Medical Technician, ultimately receiving certification as a Paramedic. Hutch served his country in the 1st Army New England, 78th Training Division utilizing his recently honed medical skills as a paramedic to process physicals for military personnel while developing, and implementing a credential system on enlisted and officer licenses, training and education so that completed files were sent in advance of a soldier’s deployment to other bases.
Hutch was discharged honorably from the Army at the 1st Lieutenant rank and continued his education at the University of Hartford where he graduated with a Master of Public Administration degree.
Hutch, the dedicated professional, never left the fire service while he continued his professional and military duties. Hutch rose through the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief of the Fire Division and became Canton’s first combined (three separate fire houses and EMS) Chief of the Town of Canton Fire & EMS Department where he has served for decades.
Chief Hutchings infectious smile and quiet demeanor will certainly be missed.
Calling hours are this Friday 3/1/24 from 5pm-8pm at Vincent Funeral Home followed by a graveside service on Saturday at Village Cemetery at 11am.