President Dean McCurdy presented Colby-Sawyer College’s 2026 Community Award to Jason “Jay” Lyon, former chief of the New London Fire Department (NLFD), at the college’s End-of-Summer Community Celebration, held Aug. 27 on campus. The annual award is presented to a New London-area resident, organization or business that has demonstrated extraordinary involvement in and made noteworthy contributions to the college.

Lyon, who retired in March, was a member of the NLFD for more than 35 years and served 18 years as chief. During that time, he collaborated extensively and effectively with the college on fire code compliance, major construction and renovation projects, and ongoing life safety improvements, always keeping student safety at the center of the work.

Throughout each academic year, Lyon partnered with the college during fire drills, late-night residence hall evacuations and campus training efforts, and he was a consistent presence in educating the college community before each academic year. His leadership during major community emergencies strengthened the bond between the college and the town. During significant events like the 1998 and 2008 ice storms, he worked alongside campus leadership, supporting coordinated response efforts that provided shelter and food to both town residents and members of the college community.  

“Jay has always shown up for the college, whether during emergencies, exercises or the quieter, behind-the-scenes planning work,” wrote one nominator. “He is approachable, steady and consistently available, never too busy to take a call, answer a question or spend time with our students, faculty and staff. That accessibility has made a real difference.”

Lyon, who grew up in the New London area and now lives in Wilmot with his wife, Colby-Sawyer Associate Professor Amy Lyon, credits his success to the teams he’s worked with — the firefighters, town officials, colleagues, family and friends who stood beside him throughout his career.

“As firefighters, we’re taught that no one accomplishes anything alone,” Lyon said. “Every success is the result of a team.”

Lyon’s ability to set high standards while simultaneously focusing on the community and working with interagency teams, says one nominator, is Lyon’s “superpower.”

“(It’s) his ability to collaborate while balancing policy and procedure with a deeply human approach,” the nominator wrote. “He understands that behind every NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) code and every call are people, and he leads in a way that reflects that. He brings calm when it’s needed most, treats others with respect and builds partnerships that last.”

Lyon said he is humbled to be named this year’s Community Award recipient.

“Over the years, it has recognized individuals and organizations that have shaped this community in extraordinary ways,” he said. “To have my name mentioned alongside theirs is something I never imagined, and it’s an honor I will always treasure.”