December Report

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to 538 calls for emergency services in 2013, and 45 calls in December:

Medical Emergencies – 27
Fires, alarms etc. – 8
Motor Vehicle Accidents – 10

On Dec. 6, members were called out to a tandem tractor-trailer crash on Route 9. No one was injured, but a small saddle tank was ruptured when the truck went down the embankment. The Department of Energy and Environmental Protection assisted with the fuel leak.

An early morning fire on Dec. 16 destroyed a vacant home on Mount Parnassus Road in East Haddam known for being frequently used by squatters. Firefighters from several area departments mounted an exterior attack. Haddam Fire sent its Tanker 2-13, which dumped three loads of water. No one was injured in the blaze. A $2,500.00 reward is being offered for the arrest and conviction of the person or persons involved. Please call 1-800-84-ARSON if you have any information, which will remain confidential.

After being delayed a week due to a snowstorm, Santa rode into Station 1 via fire truck on Dec. 21 for the annual Children’s Christmas Party. Local children visited Santa and received a gift.

The party was fun but it was quickly back to business when members responded to two motor vehicle accidents on Dec. 23 in the same area, within a few hours of each other. The first was a one-car rollover on Route 81. The driver was removed from the vehicle by a bystander prior to arrival, and treated by medical personnel on scene. Three hours later, also on Route 81, a single vehicle lost control and flipped, settling on its roof. The driver, who self-extricated, refused medical treatment.

On Dec. 27, a single vehicle crashed into a utility pole on Route 154, diverting traffic for more than 15 hours as utility crews worked through the night to replace the pole. The motorist lost control of her vehicle, struck the pole and spun out in a nearby yard. She was transported via Haddam Ambulance to Middlesex Hospital with what appear to be non life-threatening injuries. Airbags deployed upon impact.

All of these motor vehicle accidents remain under investigation by the Connecticut State Police.

In training news, the Fire Company conducted ice rescue training at the Higganum Reservoir. Members in cold water suits practiced being victim and rescuer, in addition to self-extricating, tossing a rescue rope and using a rescue sled. Members also attended two Hazard Communication (HAZCOM) training sessions.

It was with deep regret that the Fire Company said goodbye to Past Department Chief Duane Hendrickson and his wife Sandra, who passed away less than a week after Duane. The couple was honored at a combined memorial service on Dec. 12 attended by a Haddam Fire honor guard. Engine 6-13 escorted the couple to their final resting place on Dec. 13 from Biega Funeral Home in Middletown to St. Francis of Assisi Church, and onto the State Veterans Cemetery for burial.

Everyone at the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company would like to wish you a Safe and Happy New Year.

Do You Have What It Takes? Find more information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved at our website www.HaddamFire.com, or connect with us on Facebook.