Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to 40 calls for emergency services in June. Here’s a breakdown of calls:
Medical Emergencies - 23
Fires, alarms etc. - 11
Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Motor Vehicle Accidents - 3
Marine - 2
Find out what's happening in The Haddams-Killingworthwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Other - 1
On the evening of June 23, members of Haddam Fire assisted the Chester Hose Company at the site of a motor vehicle accident near Exit 7 on Route 9 North. The driver lost control of his truck and careened up an embankment in the center median. The Connecticut State Police took the uninjured driver into custody. The incident remains under investigation by the CSP.
At approximately 10:30 p.m. on June 30, Haddam’s Marine-13 Rescue Boat was requested to join the search for a missing 51-year-old man who reportedly fell into the Connecticut River in Old Saybrook while trying to retrieve a fishing pole. Two others remained in the boat, and were safely transported to shore.
Marine-13, which is outfitted with sonar equipment, was launched near the Baldwin Bridge in rough waters. Haddam’s crew joined the U.S. Coast Guard and fire boat crews from Old Saybrook, Old Lyme, Westbrook, Clinton and Essex, performing search patterns in unforgiving winds, rain, fog and complete darkness. Boats and helicopters scoured the search near the area where the river flows into the Long Island Sound. Crews from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Connecticut State Police responded as well.
According to Ali Flockerzi, spokeswoman for the U.S. Coast Guard, the fisherman wasn't wearing a life vest when he went into the water and is presumed dead.
The HVFCo. reminds residents that CT state law requires the operator of any vessel to have one U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device on board for each individual on the boat. They must be Type I, II, III or V. Any vessel that is 16 feet or longer must also carry one Type IV (throwable) personal flotation device.
The Fire Company recently held its biennial election. Newly elected Line Officers are Chief Sam Baber, 1st Assistant Chief Gene Melanson, 2nd Assistant Chief Jamie Kuchyt, Captain Zach Tiezzi, Captain Dan Sullivan, Lieutenant Scott Kuchyt, Lieutenant Richard Zanelli and Lieutenant John Kuzminski. Administrative Officers are Mechanical Engineer Franklin Pierce, Radio Engineer Scott Larson, Quartermaster Rob Lenois, Records Administrator Jesse Drake, Chaplain Jay Cooke and Grievance Committee members John Boothroyd, Dan Casey, Teresa Kuchyt and Richard Wiliams.
Vacant positions will be appointed and approved at the next Company Meeting.
The Fire Company thanks all officers who have served for the last two years, especially Gary Klare, who steps down as Fire Chief after serving for 6 years.
The Haddam Volunteer Fire Company Auxiliary also voted in new officers. They are President Candy Veazie, Vice President Mary Nork, Secretary Barbara Galloway and Treasurer Hollis Burr.
June drills included a Self Contained Breathing Apparatus exercise and an extrication refresher.
Probationary Member Kate Zarbo was officially certified as a firefighter after passing her Firefighter 1 practical and written exams.
In training news, Haddam Firefighters Jed Morrissey, Dan Sullivan, Dan Dachelet, Tim Lucas, Peter Brown and Rob Lenois attended the June Fire School at the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor Locks. Courses included a Flashover Simulator, Truck Work from the Bottom Rung, Station Evaluator, Fire Officer Potpourri, Forcible Entry, Fireground Survival and Driver Training Simulator.
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.
