A Salute to Addison County & Brandon
FIREFIGHTERS
August 2018
Fire cadet’s dream transcends both language & culture By CHRISTOPHER ROSS MIDDLEBURY — English is not his first language. America is not his first culture. But this has not stopped 17-yearold Sepehr Belar from pursuing his childhood dream of becoming a firefighter. That dream, so common among children the world over, just happens to have begun in Tehran, Iran, where Belar grew up, and where fire-related tragedies left a strong impression on him. “One time in our neighborhood in Tehran a building exploded because of a gas leak. Another event, when I was little: I saw a disaster on the news that a 12-story building collapsed because of structure failure, and some residents died.” In January 2017, as Belar was applying to become a cadet with the Middlebury Fire Department, he watched the news from afar as dozens of firefighters in his hometown were killed battling a blaze in one of the city’s most iconic high-rises, which collapsed on them. A few months later, when Belar officially became a cadet, it’s fair to say he knew what he was getting into. Fire cadets are typically 14 to 17 years old. Those who stick with it can become probationary firefighters when they turn 18, at which point they become eligible to enroll in Firefighter I training from the Vermont Division of Fire Safety. “I think that firefighting is very important because it saves lives and property,” (See Dream, Page 12) SEVENTEEN-YEAR-OLD Sepehr Belar joined the Middlebury Fire Department as a cadet in 2017. Though English is not his first language, he has stayed committed and looks forward to taking firefighter training when he turns 18.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
A special publication of The Addison Independent
PAGE 2 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Firefighters Contents Addison Fire Department...................................................3 Brandon Fire Department..................................................4 Bridport Fire Department...................................................4 Bristol Fire Department.......................................................5 Brush fires get professional attention..................... 15 Cadet enjoys being of service ..................................... 10 Cornwall Fire Department..................................................6 Ferrisburgh Fire Department...........................................8 Firefighters on the job.........................................................7 Granville Fire Department..................................................8 Hancock Fire Department..................................................9 Lincoln Fire Department.....................................................9 Looking up to firefighters............................................... 15 Middlebury Fire Department.......................................... 11 Monkton Fire Department............................................... 13 New Haven Fire Department......................................... 13 Orwell Fire Department.................................................... 14 Ripton Fire Department.................................................... 16 Salisbury Fire Department............................................. 16 Shoreham Fire Department........................................... 17 Starksboro Fire Department.......................................... 17 Statewide recognition for Bristol firefighters..........2 Vergennes Fire Department.......................................... 18 Weybridge Fire Department........................................... 19 Whiting Fire Department.................................................. 19 Young firefighter’s dream transcends culture........1
We Thank All of Our Addison County Fire Fighters
Statewide honor
BRISTOL FIREFIGHTERS BRIAN W. Wendel, Peter Bouvier and James Robideau were each recognized by the Vermont State Firefighters Association Convention in St. Albans on Saturday, July 21, for their individual contributions to the Department in 2017. These three individuals were nominated by their peers at the Bristol Fire Department for their respective fire department category. Brian W. Wendel (shown above left with fellow firefighter Brian C. Wendel) was named VSFA “Firefighter of the Year,” Peter Bouvier received the “Senior Firefighter of the Year” awarded and James Robideau earned the “Emergency Vehicle Maintenance Technician of the Year.” Chief Brett LaRose, on behalf of the community, offered his congratulations on these welldeserved honors.
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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 3
Addison Volunteer Fire Department Chase Atkins, firefighter Donnie Austin, firefighter John Baker, firefighter/safety officer Jamison Bannister, firefighter Rob Barrows, firefighter/driver boat 1 Adam Berno, firefighter Jacob Birchmore, probationary firefighter Larry Blacklock, firefighter Paul Callicott, firefighter Devon Campbell, firefighter Bradley Clark, 1st Assistant Chief/secretary Erwin Clark, firefighter Kyle Clark, firefighter/safety officer Corey Collette, firefighter Kevin Comes, firefighter Art Danyow II, firefighter Cody Devries, probationary junior firefighter Bernard Dubois, firefighter Jordan Fleming, firefighter/driver tanker 2 Larry Fleming, firefighter/driver hose reel Nathan Fleming, firefighter Dan Flynn, firefighter Sue French, firefighter Ethan Gevry, firefighter Matthew Gevry, firefighter Jane Grace, dispatcher Phil Grace, firefighter Howard Grant, firefighter/driver utility 1 Scott Grant, firefighter/driver engine 1 Jennifer Morin, firefighter Chris Mulliss, Chief Matt Murphy, firefighter Geoff Nelson, firefighter Devin Parker, firefighter Zoey Parker, firefighter Bruce Putnam, firefighter Chris Reed, Captain/Treasurer Kevin Reed, firefighter Todd Reed, firefighter/driver tanker 2 Shawn Richards, junior firefighter
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PAGE 4 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Brandon Fire Department Scott Bertrand Jesse Bilodeau Steve Bilodeau Roger Bougor Linwood Bovey Robert Cook Justin Cram Randy Disorda Dave Dushaney Ron Euber Rob Fales Harry L. Hunt Harry S. Hunt Kyle Hutchins Mike Jensen Bryan Kilpeck Tom Kilpeck Courtney Lee Mike Markowski Jasin Martin Jordan Martin Tracey Murray Dennis Reisenweaver Cody Taylor Scott Trask Roman Wdowiak Ethan West Jon Wyman
Bridport Fire Department Ernest Audet Missy Audet Nick Audet Tyler Audet Mike Barrett Keith Betourney Tony Boulanger Michael Carter Richard Coursey Patrick Clohessy Edgar Crosby Jr. Dean DeGray Joseph DeGray Amanda Doughty Clement Gaboriault Chris Gordon Clifford E. Huestis Eric Huestis Morgan Huestis Kate Ingwersen Michael Lawton Richard Lilly Morgan Lily Doug MacLachlan Carl Norton Dexter Oliver Rayne Plante Jean Noel Plouffe Corey Pratt Richard Shimal Bruce Stocker Dan Thomas Phillip Wagner Charles Welch Jr.
Firefighter Dispatcher Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Captain Firefighter (Aux.) Firefighter 2nd Assistant Chief Treasurer, Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Asst. Chief, Secretary Chief Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Retired Firefighter Firefighter Retired Firefighter Captain Retired Captain Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter (Aux)
A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 5
Bristol Fire Department Alex Bishop Joel Bouvier Mark Bouvier, Honorary Chief Nathan Bouvier Peter Bouvier, Honorary Officer Peter Coffey, Honorary Asst. Chief Ryan Denecker Bill Elwell Will Elwell
Terry Farr Eric Forand, Deputy Chief Carl Gile James Goodyear Peeker Heffernan, Honorary Chief Kerrin Hoff James Huckett Jarrett Kimball Brett LaRose, Chief
Kevin LaRose, Assistant Chief Matt Lathrop, Lieutenant Adrian Ludka Amos Martin, Captain Karen Moore Nick Ouellette Chad Perlee Kris Perlee Lance Perlee
Anthony Robideau James Robideau Peter J. Ryan Edward Shepard, Honorary Officer George Smith, Honorary Officer Brian C. Wendel Brian W. Wendel Jim Whitcomb
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PAGE 6 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Cornwall Volunteer Fire Department Dennis Rheaume Dave Berno Sean Stearns Norman Grenier Ken Manchester Raph Worrick Lew Castle Tommy Frankovic Angela McCluskey Ed Peet Steve Rheaume Vaughn Berno Marc Cesario Conor Stinson Chris Dayton Dave Guertin Ben Marks Peter Conlon Al Thalen Malia Hodges Derek Felkl Joshua Stearns Luke Jerome Gail Isenberg Haley Stearns Rich Isenberg
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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 7
On the job
ADDISON COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS are on call around the clock, and they put in hundreds — really, hundreds — of hours of training to keep local residents safe. Several departments are shown on the job here in the past year or so. Left, Middlebury firefighters respond to a call at The Centre shopping plaza in Middlebury in May 2017; above left, firefighters from seven area departments battle the blaze that ultimately destroyed the Blue Spruce Motel on Route 7 in Middlebury in July 2017; Bristol firefighters worked a whole weekend in August 2017 to put out a fire atop Hogback Mountain in Bristol, battling both on steep terrain and often in dangerous conditions; and, above right, three area departments, led by Weybridge VFD, worked to put out to a house fire at Ridge Lane in Weybridge this past Mat. Photo credits: Anna Harrington, John S. McCright, Bristol Fire Department and Angelo Lynn
Thank You to all Addison County Firefighters. Two great companies working together to serve your needs! Our combined knowledge and expertise can offer you the following: • Technical Sales Consultants • Calf & Heifer Programs • Farm Audits • Nutrient Management Representatives • Political Involvement
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PAGE 8 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department Jim Averill Carlos Basille Kyle Bradley Dave Bowles Adam Bunde Mark Chaffee (President) Art Cohn (Chaplain) Cory Collette Mike Coyle (Asst. Chief) Shane Coyle (Captain) Ryan Cushing (Captain) Adam Delisle (Training) Michael Donnelly Michael Dykstra Les Fuller George Gardner Adrien Gebo (Cadet) Dave Grippin Paul Hoffman Trevor Hallock (Cadet) Josh Hanlon Kevin Lees Deighlin Lynes Ken Lemner (Deputy Chief) Peter McNichol (Captain) Trevor Patterson (Lieutenant) Anthony Porter Roger Richmond Diane Shortsleeve Tyler Shortsleeve Justin Soter Dylan Stearns (Cadet) Jeff Vigne Bill Wager (Chief) Brandon Wagner Rick White Jonathan Wieman
Granville Volunteer Fire Department Dan Sargeant, Fire Chief/EMR Brian Sargeant, Asst. Fire Chief Theodore Smith, 2nd Asst. Fire Chief Gregory Millard, Captain/EMR Harley Vadnais, Lieutenant Kira Sargeant, Firefighter Rebecca Yon, Firefighter Ashley Johnson, Firefighter Brandon Stone, Firefighter Seamous Doyle, Firefighter Drake Hill, Firefighter Kerin Vadnais, Firefighter/EMT Brianna Roussell, Firefighter Robert Ingham, Firefighter Nancy Shaw, EMT Victor Ribaudo, EMR David Chase, EMT
A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 9
Hancock Volunteer Fire Department Jacques Veilleux, Chief Ken Troumbely, 1st Assistant Rob Deering, 2nd Assistant Jordan Champney, Captain Renee Veilleux, Secretary/Treasurer Ryan Veilleux Joe Shaw Ricky Andrews Chet Baxter Tim Brown Garrett Troumbely Andrew Bordonaro Thomas Veilleux Kevin Hewett Jon Deering Garrett Brown, Junior Firefighter
Lincoln Volunteer Fire Company Matt Atkins Jesse Bashaw Grace Berg Scott Bernoudy Grady Brokaw Matt Brown Jeff Cousino Andrew Cousino Jackson Desautels Tony Fuller Jackson Gillet Kimberly Jerome Alan Kamman Delayna Leavitt Dudley Leavitt Dan Ober Jaqueline Olson Josh Otey Jake Orvis Jake Pierce Nate Perry Chelsea Ross Eleanor Scully Aaron Thomas Adam Thomas Jacob Thomas Dave Wood Ben Wyatt
C2/EMR K3 EMR Cadet K2 EMR Cadet Cadet Cadet President C3 C1/EMT EMT EMT EMT EMT K1/EMR Cadet Chaplain
PAGE 10 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Teen dreams of service & joins the fire department
And more volunteers like him are needed By CHRISTOPHER ROSS LINCOLN — Grady Brokaw heard the stories and he was hooked. “I had a friend and his dad who were on the fire department,” he said. “My interest in firefighting developed through them. I could imagine myself doing what they do, and then I got excited about it.” As soon as he turned 15, Brokaw applied and was accepted as a fire cadet in the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Company. Last summer he attended the Vermont State Firefighters Association Cadet Academy in Pittsford, and now, at 17, he’s enjoying himself. “The fire company has been welcoming,” he said. “As a cadet I’m the low man on the totem pole but it doesn’t feel that way. It’s been great having mentors.” Though his duties as a cadet are limited, the experience has given him a feel for the industry. “It’s not just about fighting fires,” he said. “There are a lot of medical calls. It’s exciting to go out on a call. You never know what it’s going to be.” Back in the station, Brokaw helps out where he can: washing trucks before meetings, cooking food, checking equipment. When he turns 18 he’ll become a probationary
GRADY BROKAW, 17, joined the Lincoln Volunteer Fire Company as a cadet when he was 15, after hearing stories about it from a friend’s dad who serves in the department. Local fire departments are looking for more young recruits.
Independent photo/Trent Campbell
firefighter and will be eligible to enroll in Firefighter I training through the Vermont Fire Academy. Firefighters in Addison County must train for more than 200 hours before they become full department members with full duties and
We Salute Our
LOCAL FIREFIGHTERS
responsibilities. At this point in his life, however, it’s difficult for Brokaw to predict whether he’ll stay in Lincoln. He’s thinking about college, he said. But wherever he ends up, he can imagine being a volunteer firefighter there.
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We Salute ADDISON COUNTY FIREFIGHTERS! Thank you for your service to this fine community.
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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 11
Middlebury Fire Department Sepehr Belar, cadet Michael Bougor David Broughton Halcyon Brown Alex Browne Jeff Carpenter Dan Ciofreddi David Cohen Rick Cole Moe Cook Raluca “Luly” Cristea Derrick Cronin Shawn Frost Kirk Gallipo Paul Garrow Randy Garrow LeRoy Graham Blake Harrison Brian Hayes Andrew L’Roe Laurent Lussier Ana MacLeod Grace Malley Donnie Mason Mike Mayone Dylan Montagu Justin Morande Donald Patterson Tim Porter Myron Selleck Scott Selleck Chief David Shaw Pat Shaw Sophie Steinberg Keegan Sullivan Larry Volkert Ron Warner Brett Wilhelm
Extending Our Appreciation
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PAGE 12 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Dream (Continued from Page 1) Belar said. “The good part of that is when you go help people and your community.” But it hasn’t always been easy. When his family moved to the United States five years ago, Belar had to stay up late to translate his homework into Persian, complete it, then translate it back into English again. “Fortunately I’m good at math and physics,” he said. “I’m also in AP Calculus.” Pursuing a new life with a new language is challenging enough in the classroom. In the firehouse — and out on call — getting things right is critical, to say the least. “It’s been a really steep learning curve, both for Sepehr and for the fire department,” said Middlebury Fire Chief David Shaw. “The cultural differences can be tough on both sides. But he’s a lot of fun to have around — a real delight.” And his thirst for knowledge is unquenchable. “Sepehr loves to ask questions,” Shaw said. “A lot of questions.” So many, in fact, that the chief has to set a limit on them. “We’ll say, ‘OK, Sepehr, you get four questions today.’ And he’ll count them. He’ll say, ‘OK, this is my third question.’ And we’ll say, ‘Yes it is, which means you have one left, so you better make it count.’”
Service Fire department members love to give Belar a hard time, Shaw added, and he gives it right back. Assistant Chief Myron Selleck, who mentors Belar in the Middlebury Fire Department, remarked on Belar’s great attitude. “His enthusiasm to join in and learn is welcomed by all of our members,” Selleck said. “It’s rewarding to see teenagers like Sepehr who are willing to give to the community in such a positive way. I encourage more young people to get involved in their communities.” And Belar can’t get enough of it. “Most of everything in the fire department is fun, especially the meetings,” he said. “People at the Middlebury Fire Department are so cool.” The hardest thing about being a cadet, in Belar’s opinion, is the limited participation. “I cannot respond to calls when I am in school,” he said. “And cadets cannot respond to some calls like technical rescue, ice rescue, water rescue and some mutual aid.” But being a cadet at his age is an opportunity he would not have had in Iran. “In the United States high school students can be fire cadets if they’re under 18, but in Iran they don’t have a program like this,” Belar said. Other firefighting differences he’s noticed between the two countries
include communications and reach. “In America, 911 dispatch is much better than Iran or other countries. When you call 911 and you don’t know your location, they can find it easily and (forward) it to emergency responders. Also in America you don’t have to call fire, EMS, and police separately. In Iran the fire number is 125, the EMS number is 115, and the police number is 110.” And while many American small towns, like Middlebury, have their own fire departments, similar towns in Iran aren’t so lucky, he said. Once Belar turns 18, he will become a probationary firefighter. And upon completion of Firefighter I training he can become a full member of the Middlebury Fire Department. Offered by the Vermont Department of Fire Safety, Firefighter I training typically runs from September to April. Firefighters must train for 200 hours, which amounts to several hours a week. “It’s a huge commitment, which can be a deterrent for some people,” Chief Shaw acknowledged. Belar is ready to make that commitment, he said. “When I turn 18 I want to take Firefighter training I and II, and also I want to be a fire officer.” Reach Christopher Ross at christopherr@addisonindependent.com.
(Continued from Page 10) according to the National Fire meeting at the new firehouse, but Protection Association. did not sign up any new volunteers. But around the country the In 2017 Bristol had three cadets, number of volunteer firefighters has Fire Chief Brett LaRose told the been falling for decades. In 2017 Independent, but they moved away the Pew Charitable Trusts reported or went to college. that between 1984 and 2014 their “It’s amazing how little people numbers had decreased by 12 percent know about what it takes to become a — or more than 100,000. Rural areas firefighter,” LaRose said. have been especially hard hit, as Ten people around the county young people move have recently signed away to cities, or up to find out, commute to work in however, according to them, leaving them “As a cadet I’m Middlebury Fire Chief with less time to the low man David Shaw, who volunteer. added that he expects The average age on the totem that number to rise of volunteer depart- pole but it as the Aug. 24 appliments is thus steadily doesn’t feel that cation deadline for increasing. Last year training approaches. National Public way. It’s been Middlebury hosts Radio reported that great having Firefighter I training the number of small- mentors.” classes every year. town firefighters While some states over the age of 50 have resorted to offerhad doubled since ing tax credits to the 1980s. They now account for volunteer firefighters, Vermont is not roughly a third of all volunteers. one of them. In Addison County, fire departFor now, local departments will ments are struggling to recruit new have to place their hope in people volunteers, as well. And among like Grady Brokaw, who joined to be three of the larger departments — of service to his community. Middlebury, Bristol and Vergennes “I enjoy helping people in need,” — only one cadet was serving at the he said. “I like being there for time this piece was written. people.” Last month the Bristol Fire Reach christopherr@addisonindeDepartment held a recruitment pendent.com.
THE TOWN OF MIDDLEBURY SALUTES ITS DEDICATED VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS.
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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 13
Monkton Volunteer Fire Department Buck Bennett John Brace Roy Catella Greg Cota Matt Dupont Rick Gomez Gene Hall George Henry Adrian Hicks Robert Howard Charlie Huizenga Bill Joos Kip Kruckel Buzz Kuhns Chief David Layn Paul Meader Mike New George Roy Jeremy Southwell Jeremy Steele Adam Terry Bill Van Steamburg
New Haven Fire Department Andrew Bauer Jon Boise Tim Bouton Bobby Brown Ray Daniels Jim Ford Jacob Giles Dean Gilmore Dave Heisler Roger Hamilton Colin Jennings Marcel Kimball Stephen Kimball Haley Lauziere Mark Livingston Phil Livingston Jr. Phil Livingston Sr. Chief Alan Mayer Danielle Morse Aaron Napolean John Palmer Mike Poirier Dick Sawyer Ethan Sawyer Kate Sawyer Anna Jo Smith
PAGE 14 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Orwell Fire Department Ben Alger Allen M. Alger Allen Alger Sr., 1st Asst. Chief Bob Arnebold, Trustee Jim Booska David Carpenter Jim Dougherty Mark Gebo, 1nd Asst. Chief Daryl Gebo Dan Gosselin, Chief Louis Hall, Trustee Susan Hauck, Treasurer & Co-Training Officer Rebecca Heibler, Secretary Sandy Korda Robert Laduc Paul Metcalf, Captain Jeremiah Nolan Peter Ochs Wesley Orr, Training Officer Chris Roy Sean Seguin John Wist
Thank you, to all Addison County Fire Fighters for your help in our community.
Thank you to the
Bristol Fire Department and all Addison County Firefighters for volunteering your time & effort to communities in need!
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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 15
VOLUNTEERS IN THE Orwell Volunteer Fire Department responded quickly and extinguished this brush fire off Mount Independence Road before it consumed a home.
Snuffing out wild brush fires is one more way firefighters keep us safe
Structure fires may be the most dramatic blazes that our fire departments respond to, but there are other fire emergencies that also bring out local firefighters at all times of the day and night. One of those calls came to Orwell Volunteer Fire Department this summer. At approximately 3 p.m. on July 12 the Orwell Fire Department was called to a brush fire. Upon arrival Engine 1 encountered heavy smoke coming from a small field behind a dwelling off Mount Independence Road. As the crew from Engine 1 pulled a hand line, the brush truck arrived, circled the home and set up upwind of the fire. As the first crew of Orwell firefighters started on the west side of the fire, the brush truck crew started on the south side and did a pump and roll circling the fire to keep it contained in the area. Approximately 1.5 acres were on fire and the wind was coming from the south, pushing
Junior firefighter
On Oct. 31, 2016, then-3-year-old Rowan Rheaume, son of Stacey and Ricky Rheaume, gets a view from the seat of a real fire truck with Vergennes firefighter Annie Conright at the Trunk or Treat Halloween event at American Legion Post 14 in Vergennes. Little Rowan said he had a great time seeing the fire truck and the firefighters. Photo courtesy of Stacey Rheaume
the fire into a wooded area in the vicinity of East Creek near the dam. Fire command called for more manpower from the Shoreham Fire Department, since the command officer wasn’t sure how deep into the woods the fire had reached. As crews worked their way through the area they put a quick knockdown on the fire and managed to contain the fire from spreading. Fire command called back to cancel Shoreham as crews were working on extinguishing any hotspots. Roughly after a hour from the initial call, crews had knocked down everything and did a final sweep of the area. Fire command cleared all personnel and were put back into service. Firefighters all around Addison County and Brandon respond to calls like this 24/7, keeping our homes and property safe. Editor’s note: Information and photo courtesy of the OVFD Facebook page.
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PAGE 16 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Ripton Fire & Rescue Chief: Erik Eriksen Asst. Chief: Chris Pike, EMR Captain: Jay Harrington, EMR Captain: Will Mathis, EMR Captain: Ceredwyn Alexander, EMT Lieutenant: Mark Nelson, EMT Lieutenant: Ross Elliott Lieutenant: Alison Joseph Firefighters: Justin Allen Jake Codding Ron Dragon, EMT Ted Dunakin Marty Kulczyk Erica Mathis Reid Peck Billy Sneed, EMR Gary Smith
Salisbury Fire Department Ryan Emilio Foster Provencher Mark Foster Mike Dennis Devin Dwire Sean Sullivan Matt Booska Ronald Dragon Dean Mandigo Dylan McDuggall Reid Lumbra John Hughes Marc Muth Ben Slater John Nuceder Justin Allen Tom Sullivan Kevin Charbonneau
Chief 1st Asst. Chief 2nd Asst. Chief Captain Captain Lieutenant Lieutenant Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter
A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 17
Shoreham Fire Department Jon Alger Bill Bishop Rick Canfield Paige Cummings Anderson Done Allen Fortune Nicole Hamer Brent Lafountain Jim Ortuno Jason Paquette June Prouty Kurtis Prouty Percy Prouty Chris Stearns Phil Teer Dick Treadway Jeff Treadway Britany Trudo Larry Wanamaker Bob Warren
Cadet Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter 1st Asst. Chief Captain Safety Officer Lieutenant Firefighter Firefighter Firefighter 2nd Asst. Chief Chief Firefighter Captain Firefighter
Starksboro Fire Department David Bedard Matt Cota, Jr. James Curtis Tom Estey, Chief Alyssa Lucia Tony Porter, Asst. Chief Elizabeth Porter Jr. Tom Adams Dennis Casey Norman Cota Dustin Deyette Shawn Euber Baily Larock David Orvis Jennifer Turner Eric Cota, Captain Greg Cousino, Captain Matt Estey, Asst. Chief Mitch Horner, Lieutenant Ryan Lee Roger Thibault
PAGE 18 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
Vergennes Fire Department Chief Jim Breur Dep. Chief Chris Gebo Dep. Chief Matt Fraley Capt. David DiBiase Capt. Liam Casey Capt. Matt Crowley Capt. Chris Dion Dispatcher Sheila Turpin Sec. John Dugan Jack Badger Bill Brown Robert Burbo Les Champine Kevin Charbonneau Mike Collette Patrick Crowley Trevor Currier Mike Daniels Caleb Dion Dan Flynn Jeffery Fortune Brian Fraser Zachary Gebo Aimee Goff Kyle Goucher Mason Jackman Jeremy Kelly Jim Larrow Cory Lumbra Reid Lumbra Ross Lumbra Peter McDurfee Chris McKirryher Ryan Sheehan Jeff Stone Cadet Jenna Abbey Lowell
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Thank You
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Addison County Firefighters
for your dedication to our community. We appreciate all you do!
Dr. Robert Austin, Optometrist
THANK YOU, ADDISON COUNTY FIRE DEPARTMENTS, FOR YOUR DEDICATION AND SERVICE! EMERGENCY & ROUTINE EYE EXAMS • FASHIONABLE EYEWEAR • CONTACT LENSES Open Monday 8-4, Tuesday-Friday 8-5 • Call for an appointment today!
27 Main Street, Vergennes (802) 877-2422
Automobile • General Liability • Management Liability Portable Equipment • Property • Umbrella Accident & Sickness • Length of Service Awards Program
GAINES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. 154 Monkton Rd., Ferrisburgh • 877-2878 www.gainesinsurance.com
A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018 — PAGE 19
Weybridge Fire Department Heidi Anderson Dylan Bougor Cody Broughton Ron Crawford Rob Gaboriault Roger Hamilton Bill Jaring T. Charlie Jordan Don Kenney Bo Knepp Brandon Mendez Abe Miller Nancy Myrick Paige Myrick Reid Peck Bryan Phelps A. J. Piper Lawrence Pyne Chuck Root Dusty Simmons Bill Sinks Dick Unger Steve Weber
F-33 F-25 F-31 F-26 C-2 F-32 F-23 F-19 F-20 F-22 F-27 F-14 F-35 F-34 K-1 K-2 F-8 F-36 F-29 F-30 C-1 F-21 F-12
Whiting Fire Department Jonathan Ashley Randy Bertrand Thomas Bouchard, Captain Elizabeth Curran Lillian Curran Brian Denis Randy Denis Gary Freeguard, Asst. Chief Stacey Freeguard, Secretary & Treasurer Nicholas Iocca, Training Officer Greg Kokinis, Training Officer Christopher Manfredi Steve Quenneville Austin Quesnel, Training Officer Cody Quesnel, Captain Lawrence Quesnel Steve White, Asst. Chief Larry Wilbur Michael Wilbur, Chief Robert Wood, Captain Cadets: Justin Anderson Thomas Curran Charles Noble Avery Thurston Grant Thurston Payton Thurston Dalton Wilke
PAGE 20 ~ A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS ~ Addison Independent, Thursday, August 30, 2018
MREMS
MIDDLEBURY-REGIONAL
Emergency Medical Services
THANK YOU for your past support of MREMS. We have been providing emergency service in Addison County for more than 4 decades. We started as a citizen-led, all volunteer organization and have evolved into a dual volunteer and career staff service. Today, MIDDLEBURY REGIONAL EMS is much more than just ambulance services. We also provide: • Paramedic-Level service • 911 Ambulance Response • First Responder services • Heavy Rescue services • Community Education • Dispatch & Answering services • Switchboard service for Porter Hospital • Ambulance billing services We are here to serve you and your family in your time of need. As a non-profit organization providing critical service to the community, we ask you to become a member to support our mission. Thank you, MREMS Staff
Membership Application
(ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE)
Middlebury Regional EMS Annual Membership Program Membership year: July 1, 2018–June 30, 2019 Why Should You Become a Member? You never know when you or a loved one might need this critical emergency service. MREMS responds to over 2000 incidents a year, providing state-of-the-art patient care. Without this membership, your cost could exceed $1000 for 911 ambulance services. As a non-profit organization, MREMS needs your support. Subscription Plans: $65 Single: a single person who has no other persons living in the household. $75 Double: two people living at the same physical address. $90 Family: all people living at the same physical address, including all legal dependents. Business: The business must be registered with the state of Vermont. Minimum of 5 employees for this membership. Cost per employee $50. Membership applies to resident and business subscribers who live and work in the 10 towns we service: Middlebury, East Middlebury, Bridport, Cornwall, Orwell, Ripton, Salisbury, Shoreham, Weybridge, Whiting, and parts of New Haven. We bill your insurance company directly. Your membership is not an insurance policy— it covers any outstanding fees that your insurance carrier does not cover.
Name (primary member or business): __________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________ Please list names of household or business members to include in membership: ________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________
Membership $65 Single
$75 Double
$90 Family
Business: $50 per employee Total # of employees ________ X $50/per employee = $ ___________ I would like to include an additional donation of $______________towards the purchase of a new ambulance Payments can be made by check payable to MREMS, or by Visa or Mastercard. MREMS reserves the right to any third-party billing. All program fees are tax deductible – a copy of your application is your receipt. Method of payment Check #_______________
MasterCard Visa Card # __________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration date: ________________________________________ 3 or 4 digit security code ______________ Cardholder Name _________________________________________________________________________ Billing address (if different from above) ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Signature _________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ MREMS respects your privacy. We will not share any of your information with 3rd parties.
Questions? Call 388-3286 • www.middlebury911.org
Membership is valid form July 1, 2018 to June 30, 2019 and must be renewed annually.
MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT TERMS I hereby apply for the Middlebury Regional EMS (MREMS) service subscription membership program as indicated on the reverse side of this form. I understand that the indicatedfee provides local emergency ambulance services to members and their registered associates as indicated and qualified, and as determined to be medically necessary within the service area of MREMS at no additional cost during the time of the prescribed agreement (MREMS fiscal year period of July 1 to June 30). I also understand that this membership permits MREMS to collect directly from any third party agency whatever benefits may be available at no charge to me, my family, or my constituents, and that this membership is non-refundable and non-transferrable. I request that any payment of any authorized insurance benefits be made on my behalf to MREMS for any services furnished by this health care provider or supplier. I authorize any holder of medical information about me to be released to the Health Care Financing Administration and its agents any information needed to determine these benefits payable for related services. Signature ____________________________________ Date ________________________________________
Send form & payment to: MREMS Attn: Subscription Membership 55 Collins Drive, Middlebury VT 05753 (802) 388-3286 • (802) 989-7245 Fax