Haddam Volunteer Fire Company News

Submitted by: Bob Norton, Public Relations Liaison for the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company

Haddam Fire September 2011 Activity

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. responded to 49 calls for emergency services in September. The breakdown of calls is as follows:

Medical Emergencies -      27                  

Fires, alarms etc. -           12                   

Motor Vehicle Crashes -      4                   

Marine Emergencies -         1                   

Other – wires down, etc. -   5

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.

During the month of October, many local fire prevention presentations have been made to schools and other community organizations. Residents are being reminded to change the batteries in smoke detectors as they set their clocks back November 6th. Also, before starting up wood stoves for the upcoming heating season, the Fire Company strongly recommends that chimneys and stove pipes be thoroughly and properly cleaned and inspected. Most chimney fires can be prevented by burning properly seasoned wood and properly maintaining the stove and chimney.

More information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved can be found on our website – www.HaddamFire.com.