Harrison's First Citizen of the Year Award Presented

Department: Administration
Type: Recognition

The Town of Harrison is proud to announce the recipients of the inaugural Citizen of the Year Award: Allan and Virginia Denison.

Established in 2026, the Citizen of the Year Award recognizes individuals or community groups whose leadership, volunteerism, and dedicated service have made a lasting positive impact on the Town of Harrison. The award was created to honor those whose quiet commitment often goes unrecognized while making Harrison a better place to live.

Allan and Virginia Denison exemplify the spirit of this award through decades of selfless service to our community.

Together, they have devoted countless hours to preserving Harrison's history, supporting local organizations, and strengthening our community. Allan has served as a lifelong member and former Chief of the Harrison Fire Department, contributed to the completion of the Fire Station, maintained community properties, and continues to serve as the department's historian. Virginia has supported numerous community organizations through recordkeeping, organization, and volunteer service, including creating a comprehensive record and map of every burial in Harrison's cemeteries.

The couple has also played an instrumental role in the Harrison Historical Society, helping preserve and document the town's rich history, including extensive work on the 2005 Bicentennial History of Harrison. Their dedication extends to the United Parish Congregational Church, where Allan has served as a Sunday School teacher, Deacon, and caretaker of the church grounds.

Although much of their service has taken place behind the scenes, their contributions have touched countless lives and helped preserve the character and history of Harrison for future generations.

Congratulations to Allan and Virginia Denison on being named Harrison's first Citizen of the Year recipients. The Town of Harrison extends its sincere gratitude for your decades of dedication, generosity, and unwavering commitment to our community.