Haddam Volunteer Fire Company

DECEMBER 2011 REPORT

2012-02-01T14:55:00.005-05:00

Training for the month included mandatory blood born pathogens annual refreshing, Automatic Emergency Defibrillator (AED) refreshing, and ice rescue. As a “defib” service, the Fire Company must refresh annually on the use of the AEDs. Classroom presentations as well as several life-like scenarios were used to test and improve the skill level of Emergency Medical Responders and Emergency Medical Technicians.

During the Ice Rescue Training, safety procedures were reviewed. The Fire Company is equipped with cold water suits, life lines, and a special sled type device to be used when performing rescues on ice. After some classroom discussions, the Fire Company utilized the skating pond at the Haddam Meadows State Park to practice using the suits, lines and sled. Safely performing an ice rescue is extremely complicated. All personnel know exactly what has to happen, and what type of personal protective equipment is required. Line tenders must be wearing personal floatation devices. Rescuers must be tethered and clipped in using a dual carabineer system. Good intentioned by-standers should stay on shore and await rescuers to aid in the location of victims and not cause additional persons requiring assistance.

The Firefighter I class being hosted by the Fire Company completed its state required live burn at the CT State Fire Academy. The 8 Haddam students, along with the rest of the class, practiced search and rescue as well as hose line evolutions inside a structure designed to produce heat and flame using high volume propane. Outside a car fire prop was used to simulate the hazards of fighting gasoline fueled vehicle fires. After course job performance requirements (JPRs) and a course final written exam, the class moved on to a month’s worth of Hazardous Materials Operations Certification training.

With the high cost of heating, many have begun to use alternative heating sources. When not properly installed, maintained and utilized, serious conditions can develop.

Kerosene heaters, when not vented directly outside, produce high levels of carbon monoxide. Never use any fuel not designed for use in the heater by the manufacturer. Never fill it when it is in use or hot. Be sure the device is in good working order and legal to use as a heating device within a residence.

Woodstoves should be installed by professionals and inspected. Chimneys should be cleaned and inspected annually. Only seasoned hardwood should be burned to reduce the chances of creosote buildup inside the stove pipe and/or chimney. Should there be any evidence of a chimney fire, dial 911 and leave the building. Firefighters with special training and tools can ensure that the fire has not extended outside the chimney and into hidden spaces within the structure.

February brings some of the best winter recreational conditions to our area. Be sure that the ice is thick enough before you venture out onto that lake. Stay in control when sliding down that hill on a sled, toboggan, skis or snowboard. Take care not to over-do it when shoveling that white fluffy snow – frequent breaks and proper hydration are keys. Be sure to dial 911 immediately should you or a family member feel any chest pains or discomfort while strenuously removing snow or performing other activities. Enjoy the winter as soon it will be Spring!

SOME THOUGHTS ON CANDLE SAFETY

2011-12-21T12:38:00.003-05:00

The top three days for home candle fires were Christmas, New Year’s Day, and Christmas Eve.

U.S. Fire Administration’s National Fire Incident Reporting System shows that in 2005-2009:
• On average, 35 home candle fires were reported per day.
• More than half (55%) of all candle fires started when something that could burn, such as furniture, mattresses or bedding, curtains, or decorations, was too close to the candle.
• In one-fifth (19%) of the fires, the candles were unattended or abandoned.
• More than one-third of home candle fires begin in the bedroom, although the candle industry found that only 13% of candle users burn candles in the bedroom most often.
• December is the peak time of year for home candle fires. In December, 11% of home candle fires began with decorations compared to 4% the rest of the year.

NOVEMBER UPDATE

2011-12-09T15:49:00.003-05:00

November started off with an early snow storm, breaking numerous trees and taking power out to a large part of town. Haddam Firefighters responded to multiple incidents, assisted with moving Emergency Management shelter equipment, and helped where ever possible during the storm and the cleanup.

Training during November included a trip to a new Class A burn facility in New Haven, and practicing ladders/chimney fires and self contained breathing apparatus. On Sunday, November 13th, approximately 18 members spent the day at a newly dedicated training facility in New Haven. The building, built with cement and lined with temperature resistant tiles, can have fires built in various rooms. Firefighters can practice many skills needed when attempting search and rescue inside a home, as well as fire extinguishment. With live actual fires of pallets and hay, conditions very similar to that of an actual structure fire can be achieved. The heat, smoke and poor visibility are very similar. Firefighters searched on multiple levels for potential victims of the fires, as other teams tracked down the origin of the fire and put them out.

Later that month, Firefighters put ladders up at the Veteran’s Museum in Higganum Center and practiced working on top of that 2 ½ story structure. While that was going on, another team worked to extinguish a simulated chimney fire in the other part of the building at the same time yet another team wearing self contained breathing apparatus crawled into the attic to simulate checking for extension.

Steve Bates completed the training and certification process as an Emergency Medical Technician. Steve brings the total number of certified Emergency Medical Responders (EMRs and EMTs) in the Fire Company to 24. Haddam Fire responds to all serious emergency medical 911 requests as the town’s designated First Responder organization.

The Fall Middlesex County Fire School Firefighter I class that Haddam Fire is hosting is nearing completion of the firefighting phase. On Sunday, December 4th, the class traveled to the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks for a live burn. There, the Probationary Firefighters practiced search and rescue, hose line advancement and car fire extinguishment with training props consisting of very hot propane fires. Following the practical exercises, the students had a brief tour of the rest of the Academy and visited the Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial where Haddam Volunteer Fire Co.’s John Bertolini’s name is inscribed.

Haddam Residents are reminded to be extra careful in the winter months with regards to fire prevention. Alternate heating sources must be watched and maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifications. Wood stoves should be installed by professionals, and chimneys cleaned as needed. Do not delay calling the Fire Company if you suspect any complication with a chimney. Chimney fires in an older or improperly installed chimney may travel into the surrounding woodwork and start a complete structure fire. Chimneys that are plugged or not drafting properly may force deadly carbon monoxide into the living areas of the house. Please make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors have fresh batteries and are working properly. Test them frequently.

2011 CHILDREN'S CHRISTMAS PARTY

2011-11-28T16:20:00.002-05:00

2011-11-21T14:15:00.000-05:00

HISTORIC OCTOBER STORM RELATED ARTICLES

2011-11-04T14:08:00.005-04:00

It's been a busy and historic fall this October for us. Here are links to a couple of informative articles from our Public Information Liaison and Assistant Chief Bob Norton Jr. Please take a few minutes and read them.

Carbon Monoxide Case Study in Haddam

October Storm Activity

SEPTEMBER UPDATE

2011-10-27T08:29:00.004-04:00

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. responded to 49 calls for emergency services in September.

On Saturday, September 10th, Firefighters responded to a motor vehicle crash on Saybrook Road near Thayer Road. Upon arrival, the operator of a pickup truck was found to be entrapped in his vehicle. Using a number of pieces of rescue equipment including the Hurst Tool (Jaws of Life), the vehicle’s roof, driver’s door and dashboard were moved and/or removed to extricate the victim. After careful packaging, the patient was transported via HVAS and a Middlesex Hospital Paramedic to Hartford Hospital.

The Fire Company welcomed four new members. Michelle Brown, Peter Brown and Dan Dachelet are new to the organization while Mike Sapia was promoted into the Fire Company after spending several years in the Haddam Junior Volunteer Fire Co.

The Middlesex County Fire School’s Fall Firefighter I Certification class began at Station #1 on September 7th. Eight members of the Fire Company are taking the course, along with Firefighters from around the county. During September the students participated in class room and hands on training covering topics such as Firefighter safety, ropes and knots, personal protective equipment, self contained breathing apparatus etc. The course will continue through the Fall and finish in late January.

Lieutenant Dan Sullivan and 2nd Assistant Chief Bob Norton received their Emergency Medical Services Instructor certifications.

Monthly training in September involved a visit from the Middletown Fire Department Rescue #1 and Assistant Chief Woron and Batalion Chief Ricci. Chiefs Woron and Ricci outlined the capabilities of equipment carried on their rescue, and reviewed the below grade rescue that Middletown and Haddam worked together on in August.

The Fire Company provided support to the Durham Fire Department by standing by four days at the Durham Fair. Due to the size of tents housing the craft and other exhibits, a constant fire watch with inspections and readily available equipment must be in place at all times the tents are occupied. In total, approximately 200 man-hours of service were provided. Additionally, Firefighters stood by at the Haddam Meadows State Park for the annual River Days fire works display. Several members attended the 128th Annual CT Fireman’s Association Parade hosted by the Clinton Volunteer Fire Department. The parade honored Clinton’s 100th Anniversary.

READY FOR STORMY WEATHER?

2011-08-25T08:44:00.008-04:00

While the forecasters try their best to predict the path of storms heading towards Connecticut, it is never to early to have certain things in place. When bad weather strikes, it is often too late to plan where to go, or what items you might need to have to make it through the storm comfortably.

We are ready to handle emergencies year round in good weather and bad. When the prediction of severe weather is confirmed, additional planning and preparation takes place. Resources are inventoried, supplies re-stocked and plans are made to have coverage throughout town in-case travel becomes difficult. The Fire Company works with other town and state agencies to handle emergencies that may be made more complex due to the storm.

The risks that our town might face during a hurricane can come from a number of areas. Downed trees which block roads, power lines down, flooded roads and basements are but a few of the emergencies that are likely to be encountered during and following a storm with tropical force or hurricane force winds.

One of the bigger concerns often forgotten is how the Fire Company is often forced to handle routine emergencies during storms, but with extraordinary challenges. If roads are closed due to wires and trees down, or driveways are impassible, the response may be delayed significantly and transport to the hospital affected. Structure fires requiring out of town mutual aid may be severely impacted depending on what the storm is doing in our nearby communities. Thus it is extremely important for all town residents to plan for the storm in order to be as self sufficient as possible. There are two important pieces to planning for a storm of any magnitude – creating a storm supply kit, and creating a family emergency plan.

Here are some items that a storm kit should contain:

Drinking water (1 gallon per person per day for at least 3 days)
Food for all age groups in the family
Blankets/pillows
Clothing/shoes
First aid kit
Medications/prescriptions
Special items for infants/elderly
Toiletries
Flashlights with extra batteries
Battery operated radio
Fully charged cell phone with backup battery if possible
Traditional style (not cordless) telephone
Cash (ATMs/credit card machines may be down)
Toys/books/games for kids
Important documents in waterproof holders
Basic hand tools
Pet care/pet food items etc.

An emergency plan should include:

Knowing any specific vulnerability you may have at your home (water, wind damage etc.)
Locate a safe room within the house in case of high wind/water
Plan a home escape route and meeting point nearby
Have an out-of-state family member or friend to use as a point of contact should you be separated
A plan for your pets should you need to evacuate

Once the storm has passed, the danger may not have been eliminated. Take great care when surveying or moving downed trees that no power wires may be hidden or tangled. Clear the access to your house in case of emergencies as soon as possible.

As always don't hesitate to call 911 in any emergency in any weather.

JULY ELECTION RESULTS

2011-07-21T12:30:00.003-04:00

Gary Klare was re-elected as Chief. Gary has been a member of the fire company since 1995, and has been serving as Chief since July of 2007. The Chief is responsible for overseeing all planning and operations of the HVFC, and has a seat on the Haddam Volunteer Fire Department Board of Directors. Chief Klare thanked all of the officers who assisted in running the organization for the past two years, and wished all new-coming officers well with their responsibilities.

Sam Baber will continue in the position of First Assistant Chief. Bob Norton was elected to the position of Second Assistant Chief. Together, the two assistant chiefs handle more of the day-to-day operations, as well as compliance with OSHA mandated training and physical requirements in addition to many other assigned duties.

Jeff Doskos and Gene Melanson will continue as Captains, and will be joined by Dan Casey starting his first term. Captains are responsible for helping to plan and execute training for all levels of membership, as well as manage on-scene emergencies.

Dan Sullivan, Rich Zanelli and Zach Tiezzi will join John Kuzminski as Lieutenants. They are responsible for equipment on the apparatus, and the day to day operation of each engine/rescue.

Scott Larson will continue as Radio Engineer, and Dave Jones will continue as Mechanical Engineer. Rick Annino will continue as Facilities Engineer at least for the short term.

Teresa Kuchyt will be the Records Administrator, keeping track of attendance at calls, drills, meetings etc., and producing reports as needed. Jason Lonergan will continue as the Quartermaster, supplying members with personal protective equipment.

Godfrey Blythe, John Boothroyd, Richard L. Williams and Seth Jackson were elected to the Grievance Committee. Rick Annino was elected as the fire company's representative to the board of directors, and Seth Nuzum was elected as the fire company's Chaplin.

Marcus Nanfito was re-elected to the position of Company Treasurer, and John Tabak will continue as Company Secretary for the short term.

HVFC JUNE UPDATE

2011-07-15T09:01:00.001-04:00

Nine members of the HVFC attended various training sessions at the Connecticut Fire Academy in June. The annual June Fire School drew firefighters from across Connecticut and neighboring states. Classes ranged from half-day seminars to multiple day certification courses.

On Monday, June 6, several members received certification in Flashover Survival. After a morning of classroom instruction, firefighters in full protective gear including self contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) trained inside a special building designed to produce flashovers. A flashover occurs when super heated gasses and particles ignite in a confined area. Temperatures prior to the ignition reach in excess of 1,100 degrees. Firefighters with full protective gear can survive a true flashover for no longer than 2 seconds. Learning the warning signs that a flashover is imminent will save Firefighters' lives.

One member took the course "Strategy and Tactics - Everyday Emergencies." Another course that a member attended was "Emergency Operations involving Hybrid and Electric Vehicles." This course reviewed the additional hazards of high voltage electricity stored in many of the latest vehicles on the road.

Six Firefighters received certification in the "Rapid Intervention Team" course. This is a very intense two-day program involving both classroom and practical environments designed to rescue Firefighters who are injured, lost or trapped -- or for some reason are unable to leave a hazardous environment on their own. After the morning classroom session on the first day, Firefighters practiced skills such as converting the SCBA packs to harnesses used in the rescuing of the downed Firefighter, use of ropes and pulleys to raise/lower out of buildings, and practiced lowering Firefighters down ladders from upper stories. The second day was conducted off-site at a vacant building in Hartford. The final exam was a scenario where the team wearing completely "blacked out" masks located a downed Firefighter on an upper floor, secured an air source on them, and then removed them from the building with only a rescue rope guiding them out.

At the Fire Company drill following the June Fire School, firefighters who attended briefed the entire Fire Company on lessons learned.

Later in the month, Haddam Junior Volunteer Fire Co. member Greg Duval attended the week long Introduction to the Fire Service program where students live at the State Fire Academy for the week in an environment similar to a recruit academy. They practice living and working together as units. They attended the New England Association of Fire Chief's Show in Massachusetts, and a Fire Department parade in Washington, Conn. The week concluded with a demonstration of skills learned by putting out a simulated multiple story structure fire in front of parents and guests. Greg Duval's certificate was presented to him by HVFC Chief Gary Klare, who along with other members and Junior members attended the graduation ceremony.

HVFC ACTIVITY IN MAY

2011-06-30T11:00:00.002-04:00

We responded to 40 calls for emergency services in May.

May training included a pumping drill at the Eagle Landing State Park along the Connecticut River, where three engines and a tanker were utilized. Firefighters drafted water from the river, filled a tanker, and simulated a tanker shuttle by delivering the water to a portable tank, which was pumped by an engine to another engine at the simulated scene. With the lack of a municipal water system in town, Firefighters must be adept at rural water supply including tanker shuttles and long lengths of large diameter supply hose to get water to a fire.

A drill for Probationary Members on automobile extrication was also conducted.

In addition to our regular training, we participated in a drill for Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD). The demonstration was put on for the Haddam Killingworth High School Senior Class by the HVFC, the Connecticut State Police and the Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service. A mock automobile accident using members of the graduating class as victims attempted to drive home the dangers of drinking and driving, as well as underage drinking.

We also participated in the Haddam Memorial Day traditions of making clam chowder, marching in the Memorial Day Parade, and assisting with traffic during the parade. While the weather may not have cooperated, it was great to see a large turnout of members and townspeople to honor those who have given everything on behalf of our country.

First Assistant Chief Sam Baber and Firefighter Bob Norton successfully completed the Fire Instructor Program and are certified at the Fire Instructor I level. Probationary Firefighter Aaron Rigono completed all of the requirements of his probation and is now a Firefighter. Junior member Nate Meyer moved into the Fire Company as a probationary member.

STORMS AND POWER LINE SAFETY

2011-06-10T09:59:00.003-04:00

With all the recent storms here are a few things to remember:

Stay away from downed or sagging power lines, and do not touch anything that is on or near a power line (i.e., trees or tree limbs, cars, ladders).
Keep children and family pets away from areas where lines may have fallen (backyards, fields, school yards, etc.).
If a power line falls across a car that you're in, stay in the car. If you MUST get out of the car due to a fire or other immediate life-threatening situation, do your best to jump clear of the car and land on both feet. Be sure that no part of your body is touching the car when your feet touch the ground.
Report all power line hazards to CL&P or your local Fire Department

Here is a link to the CL&P Storm Center webpage. It has a lot of helpful information regarding power outages.

http://www.cl-p.com/stormcenter/default.aspx

DIALING 911 AND RESPONDING TO THE CALL

2011-06-06T11:21:00.006-04:00

This month the Haddam Bulletin published two in-depth articles on how 911 calls are processed in the Town of Haddam. These stories give a detailed account on how a 911 call works from beginning to end. Please take the time to learn how it all works.

Great job by both the authors; Alan Aronow and Bob Norton.

Here are links to the stories and to the Bulletin's web site:

Dialing 911

Responding to a 911 Call

www.haddambulletin.com

SEAN PISCOPIELLO HVFC FIREFIGHTER OF THE QUARTER

2011-05-13T13:12:00.002-04:00

The Haddam Volunteer Fire Company selected Firefighter Sean Piscopiello as the Firefighter of the Quarter. Sean is an Adviser to the Junior Fire Company and is certified to both the Firefighter II and Emergency Medical Technician level. He works full time as an EMT, and is going to be training to become a Paramedic. Sean recently came back to the Fire Company after his second tour in Iraq serving as a Scout for the United States Army. Sean exemplifies the qualities of a Firefighter/EMT with the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company.

OPEN HOUSE 2011 A SUCCESS!

2011-05-04T15:18:00.003-04:00

On April 30th we had our first open house in 8 years. The event was a big success! We had several people express interest in volunteering and everybody had lots of fun.

Here are a few pics from the day:

OPEN HOUSE UPDATE

2011-04-05T09:20:00.007-04:00

The HVFC is looking for a few good men and women to join the ranks of Haddam's Bravest. On Saturday, April 30, between the hours of 1 and 6 p.m., there will be an open house and membership drive at Station #1 - 439 Saybrook Road in Higganum. The membership committee will be available to talk to those interested about volunteer opportunities. Families are encouraged to stop by as there will be activities for kids of all ages. Refreshments will be provided by the HVFC Auxiliary. In addition, members of the Haddam Junior Volunteer Fire Co. will be hosting a pasta dinner from 4 to 6 p.m.

Events will be held throughout the day:

Tours of Station #1 will be conducted.
Visitors will have a chance to use a fire extinguisher on a live fire.
Fire trucks will be displayed and shown to those interested.
A car will be cut apart demonstrating the department's extrication tools.
A "learn not to burn" smoke trailer will be on site for simulated home evacuation drill.
There will also be an moon bounce and other children's activities.

The HVFC is an entirely volunteer organization. In this day and age, many area town fire departments and ambulance services have needed to supplement volunteers with paid positions. To date, Haddam Fire has not had to do this, but without continued recruiting it may be forced to do so in order to ensure proper coverage.

The Fire Company responds to approximately 550 calls for emergency service per year. Members meet monthly, and train on average 3 nights per month. Advanced training courses are provided both on-site and in the area on topics such as Emergency Medical Services (EMR and EMT), interior Fire Fighting (Fire I and Fire II), Hazardous Materials (HazMat), emergency vehicle operations and Extrication Technician courses to name a few.

Those interested in becoming a Firefighter must be a minimum of 18 years of age, and be able to pass various background checks and a physical exam. New members are brought in on a rolling basis - thus as soon as all application materials have been reviewed, the candidate will be sworn in at the next monthly meeting.

In addition to recruiting Firefighters, both the HVFC Auxiliary and the Haddam Junior Volunteer Fire Co. are accepting new members. The Junior Fire Co. is made up of 16 and 17 year old cadets who learn alongside Firefighters and respond to calls performing support functions.

Anyone interested in becoming a member but cannot attend the April 30th Open House should contact the membership committee either by visiting the website (HaddamFire.com) or by calling Station #1 and selecting the membership committee option on the voice mail system. All inquiries will be provided with needed information to get the application process started.

SAM HOUSKA MOVES INTO LIFE MEMBERSHIP

2011-03-09T10:36:00.002-05:00

Samantha Houska who joined the Company back in 1992 has retired from active service into life membership. During her 18 years as a member of the Fire Company, Samantha served on numerous committees and held several leadership positions. She served on the House Committee, the Old Timer's Night Committee, Recognition Committee and served as building engineer for two terms. In addition,she served as an Emergency Medical Technician.

Chief Gary Klare and the members of the HVFC thank Samantha for her years of service and wish her well in the future.

ANNUAL ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS GIVEN TO MEMBERS

2011-02-09T10:18:00.003-05:00

Each year, the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. recognizes its members that achieve years of service milestones, respond to the most number of calls, and selects a Firefighter of the Year.

This year the awards were presented at the annual Banquet held Saturday, January 29th. Years of service awards are presented in increments of every 5 years that someone has been a member. In order to maintain active membership, each volunteer must complete a number of mandatory training sessions, attend meetings, participate in committee work, and make a minimum number of calls. It is clearly quite an accomplishment when a member has maintained active membership for the number of years listed below.

This year, the following members were recognized for their years of service:
• Lieutenant Michael Kuchyt – 5 years
• Firefighter Robert Gardner – 10 years
• Lieutenant Jamie Kuchyt – 30 years
• 2nd Assistant Chief Richard Williams – 35 years
• Past Chief Jean-Pierre LeQuere – 35 years

Top responders are recognized for a high volume of emergency calls responded to. Members are called upon at all hours of the day and night, 365 days a year. The following members are the top 5 responders for 2010:
• Firefighter Zach Tiezzi – 404 emergency calls
• Firefighter Dan Sullivan – 401 emergency calls
• Firefighter Bob Norton – 307 emergency calls
• Lieutenant Jamie Kuchyt – 281 emergency calls
• Fire Police Chief Fred Maynard – 259 emergency calls

The Firefighter of the Year award is given to a member who, selected by his/her peers, represents a tremendous contribution to the Fire Company during the year. This past year’s recipient was recognized for all the extra time put in as Fire Chief, handling the many issues behind the scene from budget to personnel matters, interactions with other departments and agencies, and overseeing the entire operation of the Fire Company. The 2010 Firefighter of the Year award was presented to Chief Gary Klare for his outstanding contribution to the Fire Company.

LOTS OF SNOW!

2011-01-14T17:14:00.004-05:00

With all the snow out there please remember to clear the snow away from any water supply pipes or tanks on your property or near your home. In the unfortunate instance we need to use a pipe or tank it will save precious minutes. Also, don't forget to make sure all appliance vents on your home are clear. Clogged vents can cause carbon monoxide or heat to build up. Clothes dryer vents are a typical low venting appliance.

Santa arriving in Engine 1-13 for the party.

2010-12-20T21:28:00.004-05:00

Santa's arrival for the Children's Christmas Party is always an exciting event.

Santa will visit the HVFC on 12/18

2010-12-01T10:03:00.004-05:00

We will be hosting our Annual Children’s Christmas Party on Saturday, December 18. Santa will arrive by firetruck at Station One (439 Saybrook Road) at 6 p.m. He will be giving gifts to children 10 years and younger. The doors open at 5:30 p.m.

Firefighter Mike Gondek Moves Into Life Membership

2010-11-19T10:35:00.002-05:00

Mike Gondek joined the Haddam Junior Fire Department in 1980, and became a member of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. in 1982. During his 28 years as a member of the Fire Company, Mike served on numerous committees and held several leadership positions. He participated on several truck committees where decisions are made as to specific pieces of equipment needed when emergency vehicles are refurbished or purchased new. Mike held the positions of Captain, Equipment Secretary and Junior Advisor. He was on the Grievance Committee and By-Law Committee for many years. Most recently he was an active member of the Truck Qualifying Team, a group that train and qualify members in the safe operation of emergency apparatus.

Chief Gary Klare and the members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. thank Mike for his many years of service and wish him well in the future.

Fred Maynard Wins Firefighter of the Quarter

2010-11-03T13:13:00.002-04:00

Fred Maynard was awarded our Firefighter of the Quarter award on 11/1. Fred came out of retirement to rejoin the HVFC last year. Within a few months the Fire Police Chief retired himself. Fred stepped up to take on the Fire Police Chief position. Fred works very hard to keep firefighters and EMS responders safe while working in hazardous traffic conditions and at all emergency scenes.

Congratulations to you Fred and keep up the good work.

Fall Recruitment

2010-11-01T22:17:00.006-04:00

We're not running for office but we have signs too. The HVFC is in the middle of our fall recruitment drive. Click the yellow banner to the right and fill out the contact form for more info.

September / October Training

2010-10-27T10:34:00.003-04:00

During the months of September and October we have been training on becoming more proficient using our Res-Q-Jack system. Res-Q-Jack is a system of tools that we can use to stabilize and move vehicles so that the accident scene is safer for the patients, firefighters and EMS. We have also been working to refresh our skills on relay-pumping and water movement using our engines.

FIRE PREVENTION WEEK 2010 - SMOKE ALARMS

2010-10-04T12:01:00.008-04:00

A Few Reminders About Smoke Alarm Safety:

Smoke alarms should be installed on every level of the home (including the basement), outside each sleeping area, and inside each bedroom.

There are two types of smoke alarm technologies – ionization and photoelectric. An ionization smoke alarm is generally more responsive to flaming fires – like a pan fire or the smoke from cooking. A photoelectric alarm is generally more responsive to smoldering fires – like a cigarette, overheated wiring or something hot like a space heater. Install both types of alarms in your home or combination ionization and photoelectric alarms that take advantage of both technologies.

Test smoke alarms at least monthly by pushing the test button. If an alarm “chirps,” warning the battery is low, replace the battery right away.

All smoke alarms, including alarms that use 10-year batteries and those that are hard-wired alarms, should be replaced when they’re 10 years old (or sooner) if they do not respond properly when tested.

Never remove or disable a smoke alarm.

DURHAM FAIR FIRE STANDBY

2010-09-26T20:59:00.007-04:00

Engine 1-13 was on duty this weekend helping out with the Durham Fair. The HVFC provided fire standby coverage for the large tent on the green. In addition to our responsibilities with fire coverage we also gave many fire truck tours to children who stopped by.

RIVER DAYS

2010-09-13T11:43:00.009-04:00

Thanks to all who stopped by to see us at Haddam River Days.

HVFC HAS A BUSY SUMMER

2010-09-11T14:54:00.000-04:00

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. responded to 54 calls for emergency services in July, and 55 in August. The breakdown for types of calls is as follows:

July and August
Medical Emergencies - 49
Fires, alarms etc. - 28
Motor Vehicle Crashes - 14
Marine Emergencies - 2
Other – wires down, etc. - 10

In addition to the emergency calls, members participated in training drills on topics related to marine emergencies, interior search and rescue, ladders etc. Several members attended a training session in Newington covering motor vehicle extrication techniques involving electric-hybrid vehicles.

Not all calls took place within Haddam – Firefighters responded mutual aid to East Haddam with 2 engines and crews. Haddam personnel provided several interior teams on one of the hottest nights of the summer when crews needed to be exchanged often.

The Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. wishes to extend our sympathy for the loss of Connecticut State Police Trooper First Class Kenneth Hall. Emergency personnel are always at risk when performing necessary duties on our limited access highways. Trooper Hall’s cruiser was hit while he was on the side of the road in Enfield.

Please keep in mind that anytime emergency vehicles are parked on the highway, slow down and move to the opposite side of the road to give as great a buffer as possible. Connecticut now has a “move over” law that requires vehicles on highways to slow down and if in the lane immediately adjacent to the parked emergency vehicles, to move over at least one lane. You may notice that the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. puts an extra piece of apparatus on the highway for all calls – that is the “blocking” vehicle used to protect emergency personnel from oncoming traffic.

HVFC RECOGNIZES TWO WHO RETIRE

2010-09-10T14:29:00.000-04:00

Two members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. recently retired from active service, and moved into the ranks of Life Membership. Cathleen Connor Goetz and Edward C. Goetz were recognized for their many years of service at the August Monthly Meeting.

Cathy joined the Fire Company in 1986. She was the first female Firefighter in the Fire Company. A July 1987 Middletown Press article chronicled the first year of her service to the town as a Firefighter. Over the years, she has held numerous leadership positions including Company Treasurer, Company Secretary, Captain and Training Coordinator. She participated on many committees and chaired several including the Water Study Committee, the By-Law Committee, and the Nominating Committee just to name a few.

Ed joined the Fire Company in 1983. Ed was the long time Chaplain. He presided at many official functions of the Fire Company including offering words of wisdom at some very difficult times. Ed served in several leadership roles including Company Secretary and Public Information Liaison. He served on many committees including the Boat Committee, Nominating Committee, 7-13 Committee, 5-13 Committee, Membership Committee and Water Study Committee just to name a few. Ed also served as a member of the Fire Police division within the Fire Company.

Both Cathy and Ed were certified instructors in both the Fire Service as well as Emergency Medical Services – thus they helped many emergency workers learn to help others. Their future will keep them active in the Fire Service as instructors throughout Connecticut.

Chief Gary Klare and the members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. thank both Cathy and Ed Goetz for their many years of service and wish them well in the future.