Fire Lt. Corey Morin was named Firefighter of the Year by VFW Post 483 on May 2. He is shown with Auxiliary Treasurer Renee Plante and Commander Christoher DiTullio. Courtesy photo/Nashua Fire Rescue

NASHUA – Between the Fire and Police departments, there are approximately 358 fearless men and women working around the clock to keep Nashua safe. From this group, fire Lt. Corey Morin and police Det. Michael Braley were recently recognized as the top first responders by VFW Post 483.

During the VFW Loyalty Day on May 2, Fire Chief Steven Buxton said Morin’s father and uncle were both captains with the Hudson Fire Department.

“Corey grew up around the job,” said Buxton. “The fire service isn’t just a career, it’s part of who he is, it’s in his blood. “His passion is unmistakable; it’s not something he turns on for his shift.”

Morin’s experience in the fire service began in 2004 when he was a fire explorer in Hudson. In 2008, he became a call firefighter and began mentoring younger firefighters. In 2011, Morin was hired by the Portland, Maine Fire Department and remained there until joining Nashua’s bravest in 2015.

“Lt. Morin represents the very best of the fire service,” said Buxton. “His dedication, leadership and commitment to mentoring others make a lasting impact within our department and throughout the community.”

Police Det. Michael Braley was named Police Officer of the Year by VFW Post 483 on May 2. He is shown with Auxiliary Treasurer Renee Plante and Commander Christoher DiTullio. Courtesy photo/Nashua Police Department

Morin has also been an instructor at the state’s Fire Academy for the past 10 years and has represented Nashua in the New England FOOLS since 2022.

He was promoted to lieutenant in October 2024. He is assigned to Engine Company 4 as a hazardous materials technician and a rescue diver.

Last year, Morin was instrumental in working with Nashua Community College to launch a week-long summer fire service camp for high school students.

“He has helped shape the next generation of firefighters,” said Buxton.

Braley’s path to join Nashua’s finest was slightly different. Early in his career, he was a volunteer firefighter in Holden, Mass., a post he held for 10 years. He was then part of the campus security teams at Mount Wachusett Community College and Assumption University, rising to the rank of sergeant at Assumption.

In 2008, Braley enlisted in the U.S. National Guard and was promoted to second lieutenant three years later. He went on to become a platoon leader in the 182nd Sapper Combat Engineers and is now a captain in the Individual Ready Reserve.

Police Capt. Clark Gaphardt said Braley joined the department in 2015 and later received a commendation bar for lifesaving as well as two letters of commendation.

In 2024, he was elected vice president of the Nashua Police Patrolman’s Association. That same year, Braley took a leap and transitioned to the department’s Legal Bureau.

“Officers in this role prosecute criminal cases much like an attorney would, it’s a transition that is incredibly steep and often daunting,” said Gaphardt. “What I witnessed firsthand was Mike’s sheer tenacity. He didn’t just learn the role, he attacked it.”

An instructor at the state’s Police Academy, Braley has trained more than 100 officers to be police prosecutors.

He now works in the department’s Special Investigations Division.