Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to 42 calls for emergency services in May. Here’s a breakdown of calls:
Medical Emergencies - 15
Fires, alarms etc. - 16
Motor Vehicle Accidents – 4
Marine - 2
Other - 5
May started with a series of weekend brush fires. The Fire Company responded to reports of a brush fire behind a residence on Foot Hills Road near the Haddam/Durham border shortly after 12 p.m. on May 4. Members set up a water dump site while crews on foot used portable water tanks to knock down the fire on about one acre of scorched woods. The Durham Fire Department assisted with a brush truck. The fire was extinguished and crews were released. At about 3 p.m., a “rekindle” near the same property was toned out, and crews from Haddam and Durham returned to fight for several hours to extinguish the new blaze. The second fire remains under investigation. The following day, members responded to and extinguished a brush fire in the vicinity of Dish Mill Road in Higganum Reservoir State Park.
On May 11, members of the Fire Company responded to a boat that ran aground on the Connecticut River and a passenger who suffered a head injury. Haddam’s Marine-13 Rescue Boat was launched from Haddam Meadows State Park as command was established down river at Midway Marina. The injured man was treated and transported to the marina, where he was taken via Haddam Ambulance to Middlesex Hospital. Two other passengers were brought to shore and the vessel was towed. Haddam Fire was assisted by East Haddam’s Marine-15. The incident remains under investigation by the DEEP’s Environmental Conservation (EnCon) Police Division.
Shortly after 4 a.m. on May 26, the Fire Company responded mutual aid to a fully involved structure fire on Stony Brook Drive in East Haddam. The homeowners were awakened by the sound of glass shattering, a result of the intense heat. The investigation into the fire points to an undetermined type of electrical short. The homeowners escaped but one person was transported to Middlesex Hospital with symptoms of smoke inhalation. He was treated and released. The house was a complete loss and a vehicle was severely damaged.
Firefighters from Haddam, East Haddam, Colchester, Chester, East Hampton and Old Lyme fought the fire. Numerous other area departments provided tankers. The fire remains under investigation by the East Haddam Fire Marshal’s office.
The following day, members met bright and early at Station 1 for the annual tradition of making clam chowder. The chowder is made from scratch, starting the night before in preparation, then in earnest at about 4 a.m. Profits from the chowder, sold by the Women’s Auxiliary, are routinely given to support the Veterans Museum. After the chowder was made, members in dress or military uniforms marched in Haddam’s Memorial Day Parade.
Another proud May tradition is Haddam Fire’s Old Timers’ Night, which took place on May 18. The multi-generational tradition traces back to 1977. Newer and Junior members pay tribute to former members for their contributions. More than 20 Life Members and 3 Honorary Members attended the 36th annual event, held in the truck bays and community hall.
In training news, several members spent the morning of May 4 at the Colchester Hayward Fire Department’s live burn facility. The two-story building helps firefighters hone skills like forcible entry, search-and-rescue, fire attack, and safety and survival in a realistic smoke and heat-filled environment.
On May 15, members extricated four young people from a mangled car during a drill sponsored by Students Against Drunk Driving (SADD). The scenario was staged for the Haddam-Killingworth High School Senior Class. H-K Drama Club students played the victims of a mock automobile accident to stress the dangers of underage drinking and driving, as well as texting behind the wheel. The driver was arrested, one passenger died and two others were transported – one via Haddam Ambulance, the other via Life Star Critical Care Helicopter. Fire Company drills included apparatus driving tactics and sexual harassment training.
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.
