The Volunteer’s Gift

What does “giving” means to you?

Don’t worry, this isn’t an essay contest – we’re not even asking for money!

During the hustle-bustle of the holidays, the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company has one simple request: Take a moment to reflect on that question.

The answer, you may decide, is “Being a volunteer.”

Before I was a volunteer, I thought it was enough that I paid my taxes, gave to charity and supported local businesses. If I passed someone ringing a bell outside a grocery store, I’d throw in a couple bucks (more if it was really cold). But I’ve found that when it comes to helping in your community, there’s no such thing as enough, and giving means more than just “exchanging stuff” – it means generosity with your schedule as well as your wallet.

The person ringing the bell in the blistering cold gives the real gift – time.

The beauty of a volunteer organization like the Fire Company is, beyond certain requirements, “enough” is up to you.

“What’s important is that new members receive the same fundamental training they need to perform at a certain level,” said Membership Committee Chairman John Kuzminski. “How far they go is a personal decision, but we provide advancement opportunities for anyone with the desire and drive to excel.”

“There’s a place here for everyone, from the person who controls traffic at an accident to the person who comforts someone during a medical emergency,” added Jesse Drake, HVFCo. Public Information Liaison. “It’s also a great first step for the person looking to transition into a full-time job in the Fire Service or EMS field.”

Why talk about membership now? The spring Firefighter I class, the entry-level course of the Fire Service, actually starts in January. Willimantic is hosting a Fire I class Jan. 18 to May 4 on a Saturday-Sunday schedule. Haddam Fire will cover the course fee but you have to get in soon!

Winter is an excellent time to take Firefighter I. Classroom weekends provide a break from the cold and you won’t overheat on more physically demanding practical days. You’d be surprised how warm you get in your turnout gear. During strenuous activities you’ll be grateful it’s not July.

Fire I is required for all probationary members seeking full membership but the course is hosted at other times of year, at different locations, so it’s still a great time to learn the ropes and begin your new adventure.

Most questions are answered on our website www.HaddamFire.com, but here are some of the basics.

While many town Fire Departments and Ambulance Services have had to supplement volunteers with paid positions, the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company has been 100 percent volunteer since its founding in 1930. Without continual recruitment, however, it may be forced into that position to ensure proper coverage.

Volunteer firefighting is responding to emergencies at all hours of the night and day. It is the challenge of remembering how to cut a car apart or gain access to a burning home. It is seeing people at their worst looking to you for help and it is something you will never regret doing.

The Fire Company responds to approximately 600 calls for emergency service each year, of which members must make a minimum of 10 percent or elect to be available on a “duty night.” Members meet monthly and train on average three nights per month. Advanced training courses are provided on-site and in the area on topics such as Emergency Medical Services (EMR and EMT), Interior Firefighting (Fire I and Fire II), Hazardous Materials, emergency vehicle operations and Extrication Technician, to name a few.

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

Do you have a strong work ethic, willingness to learn, humility to improve, conviction to act, desire to perform as a team and commitment to fellow firefighters and your community? If so, check out our website, watch the short “about us” video, and email additional questions to department13@gmail.com. 

Have kids? Stop by our annual Children’s Christmas Party on Dec. 14 (doors open at 5:30). It’s a nice informal opportunity to chat and get some information.

Being a volunteer may be the greatest gift you’ve ever given, and the greatest challenge you ever loved.

“I can’t think of a better way to give back to your community than joining the Fire Company,” Drake said. “You’ll learn a whole new set of skills, and you’ll learn a lot about yourself.”