When it was time for Elisio Castro and his committee to get together to come up with a prime candidate for this year’s Bristol Sports Club “Woman of the Year” candidate, it didn’t take them long to figure things out.

“Jennifer Oliveira Mancieri was our unanimous choice,” said Castro, Bristol Sports Club president. “In most years, the club has selected a male for its ‘Man of the Year’ Award, but this year, the group decided on Mancieri, whose contributions to the Bristol community through her efforts as a member of the Bristol Fire Department’s EMT service hasn’t gone unnoticed.”

“This is such a great honor that I’m receiving from the Bristol Sports Club,” said Mancieri in a genuine tone. “I am truly honored to be accepting this award. To be recognized for my achievements by not only a male prominent organization but one that continues to exemplify the Portuguese traditions is truly a distinction. It is my privilege to serve the town of Bristol’s great community.”

She concluded, “I would never be able to fulfill my goals if it wasn’t for my family, my brothers and sisters of The Bristol Fire Department, as well as for the tremendous community support I have received throughout the years.”

Mancieri will be honored Saturday, Nov. 5, at the Bristol Sports Club on Wood Street starting with a cocktail hour at 6 p.m. Dinner will follow at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available and may be obtained by calling Bristol Sports Club at (401) 253-4769. Tickets are $50 per person.

A lifelong Bristol resident, Mancieri graduated from Our Lady of Fatima High School in 1995 and joined the Bristol Fire Department that same year as a first responder. She received her EMT license in 1997 and served as secretary of the Division of EMS before reaching life membership in 2010.
She received Dental Radiology Certification from Boston University in 1998 and is currently employed at Superior Comfort in Bristol.

As a member of the BFD Ladies Auxiliary since 2000, Jennifer currently serves as president of the group. In addition, she is the founder and chairwoman of the Community Aid Fund started in 2015 which helps families during times of tragedy in Bristol and beyond with gift cards, clothing, toys, toiletries and help in finding housing.

She said, “In the spirit of community aid, I also created a Kickoff to Christmas Community Aid Drive which has helped hundreds of local families during the holiday season.”

Jennifer also serves on the Firemen’s Welfare and Relief Committee and Bristol Christmas Festival Committee. She’s also a member of the Holy Rosary Sodality of St. Elizabeth’s Church, a board member of the James D. Reilly Foundation, a board member of the Bristol Fire Dept. Benevolent Assn., and a social member of the Dreadnaught Hook and Ladder Co.

As one might expect, Jennifer has been honored several times in the past for her contributions to the community. She received the BFD’s Vickie Van Voast Award in 2016, the Bristol Fourth July Hattie Brown Award with her husband, Brett, in 2019, and the 2021 Spirit of Christmas Award.

Married to Brett Mancieri for the past 19 years, she has one son, Jake Mancieri, and a stepson, Christopher Gomes.

Bristol Town Administrator Steven Contente says Jen Mancieri is most deserving of this year’s Bristol Sports Club Award.

"Neighbors helping neighbors when in need is one of the most basic and important essentials of a healthy community,” he noted. “Jen still has the same spirit and drive to help others that she did when she joined the Bristol Fire Department."

Bristol Fire Chief Michael A. DeMello couldn’t agree more.

“Jennifer is a longtime member of the fire department who has always stepped up to help within the department and the community,” he said. “Her selection as Woman of the Year is well deserved, and on behalf of the fire department we offer our sincerest congratulations.”