Each year, in addition to providing a wealth of information about the town’s finances, government, and history, the annual report acknowledges a significant resident (or two). Essex’s 2018 Annual Report has been dedicated to Sam and Charlie O’Donnell.

“It was a huge surprise and an honor when we found out about the dedication,” said Sam O’Donnell. “We were just doing what we were brought up to do and give back.”

That pretty much sums it up for the selfless couple who has been a staple of the community for almost a half a century.

“The O’Donnells are just all-around wonderful people,” said First Selectman Norm Needleman. “They have been residents of Essex for a very long time and very active volunteers who have given back to this community. That’s why we felt they were the perfect choice to dedicate the annual report to...They are a spectacular couple and beloved by everyone.”

The O’Donnells first came to town in the late ’60s after Charlie was hired as a guidance counselor at Valley Regional High School. Sam O’Donnell also worked in the school system feeding students via the Region 4 cafeterias. The two raised their family in town and helped the community grow and stay safe.

Charlie O’Donnell helped start and staff the Essex Ambulance service. Over the years, both husband and wife served the ambulance association in various leadership roles. He is a former chief of operations and she has been on the Board of Directors and is still is a member. She was a past vice president and president.

In 1976 Charlie O’Donnell became part of the regional committee that established the Valley Shore Emergency Communications dispatch center and, during the devastating 1982 flood in Essex, he was Essex director of emergency management.

“The flood was one of the worst and best things that ever happened,” O’Donnell recalled. “It was horrible, of course, because of how many homes were destroyed and families were displaced, but the great part was to see how the community came together and helped each other. I was amazed at how quickly people’s friends and neighbors reacted and helped out.

“We had planned on the elementary school being a shelter, but everyone who needed a place to stay had been taken in by friends and family before we even needed to use the school,” he said.

Beyond supplying emergency services when needed and working for the school system, the couple also owned a small business on Main Street called Sew n’ So. When the O’Donnells decided to close the business, they were honored at the town hall with their very own O’Donnell Day.

“The annual report dedication was a big surprise and a great honor for us,” said Charlie O’Donnell. “Our whole family is very proud of us and everyone wants their own copy of the report. We are very happy!”

“The O’Donnells really are a great part of the Essex community and we, as a town, are grateful for all that they have done for Essex over the years. We are proud to have the annual report dedicated to them,” Needleman said.