Hometown Hero: For Pittsfield’s Fallon Reed, volunteering is a family tradition

By JAMIE L. COSTA

Monitor staff

Published: 01-24-2023 5:13 PM

At first glance, someone might figure Fallon Reed was nominated as a Hometown Hero for her years of work for the state, first at the Department of Safety and now at the Department of Corrections.  

But the residents of Pittsfield recognize her for the loyalty she and her family have shown her community. 

“I’ve been the president of the Suncook Valley Rotary Club for the last couple years, but I’ve been a member of the club for the last nine years,” Reed said. “It’s something I’m really passionate about and giving back to the community means a lot.”

As the president, she works with her fellow rotary club members to fundraise and support community projects and events, including the annual hot air balloon rally, scholarships for graduating seniors, a penny sale raffle and through donations to community groups and organizations. 

On top of all that, the club hopes to build a concession stand at the Drake Field Athletic Complex where the balloon rally is hosted and where the high school students play baseball and soccer. 

“The Rotary Club is a fixture in our town,” said Jay Darrah, community resource officer for the Pittsfield Police Department and athletic director and varsity basketball coach for Pittsfield High School. “It isn’t just good money-wise for the town, but it’s good for tradition and historical value. The locals really love it.”

During her time with the Department of Public Safety and emergency management, Reed and Darrah worked closely over the last 12 years, he said. Their careers have overlapped at community events. 

Reed’s new full-time position as the director of personnel and information for the New Hampshire Department of Corrections began in October. At her day job, this mother of two oversees employees and residents of state prisons, psychiatric facilities and halfway houses. In her spare time, she dedicates as much energy as she can to the rotary club. 

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“I’ve joked that if you want something done, give it to a busy person,” Reed said. “Growing up, my mom did whatever she could to help other folks out and it’s important for me to give back and help others and really invest in my community and my kids’ community.”

She’s already passing down the community service tradition that she shared with her mother, to her 7-year-old daughter, as they often volunteer together. 

Reed’s efforts don’t go unnoticed.

“She’s just one of those community members that constantly gives back,” Darrah said. “She’s dedicated so many hours to our community and she’s in inspiration to other volunteers.”

Reed said she volunteers for reasons both big and small. 

“You don’t know what folks stories and days are like and something as simple as opening the door for someone could make a difference in their day,” Reed said. “I always look to do more.” 

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