Fire News, Southern New England, November 2019 edition

SOUTHERN NEW ENGLAND Serving VOLUME 7, NO. 6

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NOVEMBER 2019

See story on page 23.

- Fire News photo by Jim Peruta, CFPA

Happy Thanksgiving From The Staff At Fire News

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 3

In this issue...

Rescues and Explosions at Fitchburg Blaze Fitchburg (MA) firefighters responded for a three-alarm fire on September 22, 2019.

See story on page 6

Quick Stop in Wolcott The Wolcott (CT) Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Wolcott Road for a house fire.

See story on page 7

3 Alarms for Brockton House Fire On September 16, 2019, the Brockton (MA) Fire Department responded to Sylvester Street for a medical call.

See story on page 8

Gas-Fed Fire in East Greenwich The homeowner and a utility worker safely evacuated an East Greenwich (RI) dwelling after smelling gas.

See story on page 12

Fatality at Truck into Bridge, Fire A flatbed trailer struck an overpass on Route 395 south in Norwich (CT) and overturned.

See story on page 15

A Service for Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island Firefighters and EMS Providers Founded 1973

146 South Country Road, Bellport, NY 11713 FRANK C. TROTTA, Publisher TIM EDWARDS, Executive Editor DENNIS WHITTAM, Editor GARY P. JOYCE, Asst. Editor MARIE TROTTA, Vice President, Production/Sales CLIFF CHIESA, Art Director/Production Manager Advertising Sales: BARBARA CONNOLLY, Graphic Artists: GREG JONES, LYNN SEDLER CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS ALAN BRACKETT, AMANDA CARMODY, THOMAS CARMODY, OWEN CARRIGAN, KEVIN CZARZASTY, JOHN DEFOREST, TIM DELANEY, ROB DILLON, PATRICK DOOLEY, DOUG DOW, OLIVIA DRAKE, GLENN DUDA, LIZ FEITELBERG, JIM FORTIN, JR., SEAN FREIMAN, JOHN HANLEY, ED HARVEY, JEFFREY HASTINGS, STEPHEN HESS, MIKE IPPOLITO, DORRANCE “DOC” JOHNSON, RICK KULMANN, KEN LABELLE, ROBERT LADD, MICHAEL LAPRADE, SCOTT LAPRADE, PAUL LAROCHELLE, JR., KEN LEGER, KEITH MURATORI, BOB MYERS, RICK NOHL, BILL NOONAN, PETER OSTROSKEY JR., CHRIS PALMER, JIM PERUTA, PETER POZERSKI, GLENN PRESTON, ROB REARDON, DICK SCIALABBA, PAUL SHEA, JOE SHEFER, RICK SUSI, JON TENCA, PAT TRAVERS, DEVON WHALEN, KEVIN WHITE COPYRIGHT 2018, THE FIRE NEWS INC., LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

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Six Editions Serving Long Island, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Pennsylvania Proud Member Of:

Obituaries Leominster’s Randall Pouliot Wethersfield’s Thomas P. Watson Johnston’s Richard Gemma See story on page 25

PLUS: Editorial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 4 Up Close & Personal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 22 Training . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 24 Industry News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30 Classifieds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . page 30

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Page 4, Fire News, November 2019

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From the Editor’s Desk Dennis Whittam, Editor

It’s Your Turn; Are You Ready?

Many years ago, two senior members in my company looked at me as I walked into the ready room. I had the feeling they were up to something. As I sat down, one of the ex-chiefs leaned over and asked me if I was running for lieutenant. I looked at him and said no! By the time I finished my coffee, I was a candidate for my company elections. Was I ready to do the job? I really couldn’t say. The short version of my story is that over the next few weeks, the senior members tested me at county drills and company drills. I must have past their secret criteria because I was elected to the position of lieutenant in my company.

I am sure your company and department have rules and requirements for upcoming officers. My department has a list of requirements for upcoming officers. They are good requirements, but my experience has shown that there is more to being a good officer than having a few extra classes. If you were responsible for sanctioning a new officer, what would you require?

Can you communicate? I am not talking about transmitting on a radio. I am talking about speaking professionally to a homeowner

who has a question for you. Do you know how to speak with a member who isn’t doing their job? Even now, I see members who can’t tie a basic knot to tie up a hose line so it can be pulled to the roof. I see members who have difficulty starting saws, using a rabbit tool or even talking on the radio to relay messages to their officer. When you are an officer, you set the example for others to follow. Yes, unfortunately you must know everything that you expect your members to do. For the experienced officers; how many of you have ever wanted to rip a tool out of the hands of an individual who had no idea what they were doing? Many of us have been there. A good officer has patience and knows how to instruct and motivate their members to learn the proper techniques when using tools and how to train to stay fluent with its operation.

Most new officers I have seen are good firefighters. However, as an officer, your job changes and now you are responsible for the safety of your crew as well as making sure they are doing a specific job correctly. Now that you are an officer, you are responsible for keeping company records. You now must learn to docu-

ment training records, tool maintenance records, along with other computer and writing skills. When PESH visits a department, they ask for your documentation and records. Give this some thought.

My advice to new officers is to ask for guidance from the people whose footsteps you are following. Good luck to our upcoming officers.

Riding the front seat is not as easy as it looks, especially when you pull up on a working fire with occupants within. Are you ready for the job? Only you can answer this question.

- Dennis

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 5

Page 6, Fire News, November 2019

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Rescues and Explosions at Fitchburg Blaze

Fitchburg (MA) firefighters responded for a three-alarm fire on September 22, 2019.

There were multiple rescues made out of a top-floor window. There was also a reported explosion at the scene.

- Fire News photos by David Bryce and Scott LaPrade

Hot Day for a Fire in Pawtucket A three-alarm fire was called for a Pawtucket (RI) commercial building on Broad Street on a very hot July 24, 2019. The single-story concrete block structure housed a salon and an auto repair business. There was heavy fire through the truss roof on arrival.

Two ladder pipes and numerous big lines were used to bring the fire under control.

Several firefighters needed to be evaluated for heat exhaustion.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Roof Collapse in Cheshire Fire Recently, Cheshire (CT) firefighters were called to Lancaster Way for a structure fire. Car 2 arrived to heavy fire showing from the C side of a 1-1/2 story ranch. The roof quickly collapsed. Engine 3 arrived on scene and stretched two lines on opposite sides of the structure. Within five minutes the bulk of the fire was knocked down and crews continued chasing pockets of fire.

No injuries were reported.

- Fire News photo by Griffin Stover

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Good Stop in Southbridge

On July 17, 2019, Southbridge (MA) firefighters responded to a structure fire on Marcy Street caused by a lightning strike.

Lieutenant Chris Wilson of Group 3 arrived to fire showing and struck a second alarm, followed by a third, bringing in multiple mutual aid units. Crews performed an aggressive interior attack, and made a great stop.

- Fire News photo by Bud Harris

Quick Stop in Wolcott

At approximately 1630 on June 22, 2019, the Wolcott (CT) Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to Wolcott Road for a house fire. First-in companies found heavy fire showing from the first floor of a private dwelling. The fire was quickly knocked down and it was reported that one woman made her way to safety unharmed. The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

Fire News, November 2019, Page 7

Page 8, Fire News, November 2019

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Hartford West End Blaze

On August 25, 2019, Hartford (CT) C-Tour firefighters responded to a fire in the city’s West End. First arriving units found smoke and fire showing from the second floor of a Tremont Street building and transmitted a second alarm.

After a quick search and attempt to extinguish the fire, units withdrew. The fire had spread to voids and the attic area. Master streams went into service and the fire was brought under control. Companies were on scene for several hours.

- Fire News photos by Jim Peruta, CTFPA; Patrick Dooley and Nick Peruta

3 Alarms for Brockton House Fire On September 16, 2019, the Brockton (MA) Fire Department responded to Sylvester Street for a medical call. En route, Engine 4 was advised of a house fire at the address. Companies arrived to find heavy smoke showing from a 1-1/2 story wood frame. Crews battled heavy fire conditions in the rear and a second alarm was struck. Crews found difficult access around the property due to additions to the building, and debris in the yard. Soon after the second alarm had been sounded, all companies were pulled. The fire eventually went to three alarms, bringing Holbrook to the scene, and Whitman, Stoughton, West Bridgewater and Abington to cover. Two firefighters suffered minor injuries. The American Red Cross assisted the occupants of the home. The site was the scene of legal action that the City of Brockton had against the property owner due to unspecified violations.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Page 10, Fire News, November 2019

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Stamford Scrap Yard Fire On August 13, 2019, Stamford (CT) firefighters were dispatched for a large fire behind a building on Canal Street. Crews arrived to heavy fire coming from a large pile of scrap metal in the rear of a recycling business. Firefighters had to gain access into the locked property. Once inside, a tower ladder was immediately set up as an engine company secured the hydrant and ran a supply line to feed the tower. The tower ladder was able to knock down the main body of fire and work with crews on the ground to hit hot spots.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopperPhotography.com

House Destroyed in Johnston 2-Alarmer A Johnston (RI) dwelling on Roger Williams Drive was destroyed in a twoalarm fire on September 7, 2019. Heavy fire was blowing out the A side and through the roof on the department’s arrival. The occupants were away on vacation at the time and five cats perished in the blaze.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Fast Response Holds Fire to Basement in Windsor On September 22, 2019, Windsor (CT) Fire was alerted by multiple 911 calls for a structure fire in a multiple-occupancy dwelling. A fast response by members of Poquonock Engine 7 resulted in a quick and aggressive knock down of a basement fire.

- Fire News photo by Stephen Hess

Well, That Ain’t Gonna’ Help Us Springfield (MA) firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on August 16, 2019, on Locust Street. Crews encountered heavy fire in the rear of a three-story wood frame. During the fire, a water main broke in the street complicating firefighting efforts.

- Fire News photo by John Deforest

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 11

When in Doubt, Use Foam

On June 12, 2019, the Windsor Locks (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to King Spring Road for a vehicle fire. Due to gas tank involvement, foam was used to douse the fire.

- Fire News photo by Coral Ruggiero

Duxbury Bonfire

Duxbury (MA) Fire Breakers 47 and 49 staged on a detail at Duxbury Beach’s annual bonfire which was made in the shape of a ship using over 200 wooden pallets.

- Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon

Page 12, Fire News, November 2019

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Gas-Fed Fire in East Greenwich

The homeowner and a utility worker safely evacuated the basement after smelling gas at an East Greenwich (RI) dwelling on Secret Lane on September 3, 2019. A fast-moving fire erupted as soon as the gas found an ignition source. The fire burned through the living room floor forcing command to evacuate all firefighters for a short

defensive attack. The overlapping fire made its way into the second floor and roof line of the garage. Firefighters used saws to open up the side A wall to knock down pockets of fire. A second alarm was requested for manpower.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

West Bridgewater Basement Fire Around 1400 hours on September 3, 2019, the West Bridgewater (MA) Fire Department responded to a house fire on Thomas Circle. Companies arrived to find a basement fire. Bridgewater and East Bridgewater and Brockton also responded. The fire was under investigation.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Cat Saved in Nashua 3-Alarmer Nashua (NH) crews responded to a three-alarm fire on August 18, 2019, in a single-family dwelling. A cat was rescued.

- Fire News photo by Michael LaPrade

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 13

Nice Work in Leicester

Leicester (MA) firefighters were dispatched to a garage fire on Baldwin Street. They were met with heavy fire from the garage extending to the main house. A second alarm was struck for mutual aid from Spencer, Auburn, Paxton and Charlton. Firefighters brought the fire under control fairly quickly and removed a scared

Hot Time in Yantic On one of the hottest days of the summer, Yantic (CT) crews used one line to extinguish a small fire in a dry cleaning establishment.

- Fire News photo by Joe Shefer

Waterbury Car Fire Recently, Waterbury (CT) firefighters battled a car fire near an apartment building.

- Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann

but alive cat from the house. The residence was outside a hydrant district so a supply line was laid to a nearby pond. The preliminary cause of the fire has been linked to a lawnmower that was just used minutes before and parked in the garage.

- Fire News photo by Bud Harris

Page 14, Fire News, November 2019

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Fall River Car Fire Around 1530 on September 26, 2019, Fall River (MA) Engine 4 responded to Peckham Street for a car fire. The fire was confined to the driver’s compartment and door panel area.

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger

Two-Alarms in Chelmsford On September 13, 2019, the Chelmsford (MA) Fire Department was dispatched to a residential structure fire on Jonathan Lane.

Companies arrived to heavy fire coming from the building.

A second alarm was struck; Lowell and Billerica responded. The fire was brought under control in about two hours.

- Fire News photo by Sean Fesko

Woburn 2-Alarmer On August 4, 2019 Woburn (MA) firefighters battled a two-alarm fire on Locust Street in Woburn.

- Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan

Cambridge Fire Cambridge (MA) firefighters responded to a working fire on 7th Street on September 26, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 15

Fatality at Truck into Bridge, Fire

A flatbed trailer carrying a Conex box, struck an overpass on Route 395 south in Norwich (CT) and overturned. The crash blocked the southbound lanes for hours after it ignited, and killed the driver.

Yantic and East Great Plain responded and were assisted by several area tankers, the Connecticut State Police, and Department of Transportation.

- Fire News photo by Joe Shefer

Page 18, Fire News, November 2019

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Rollover, Extrication by Carver

Carver (MA) Fire Companys 1 and 3 responded to an MVA rollover on Tremont Street by the town line with Wareham. Engine 3 arrived to find a vehicle that had rolled over into the woods with one person lightly trapped. Rescue 1 arrived and deployed the cutters and

spreaders and popped the passenger’s back side door and handed the person to EMS for transport to a local hospital.

- Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon

Vehicle on Wall in Shelton At approximately 1945 on June 16, 2019, the Shelton (CT) Fire Department was dispatched to Belmont Avenue for a vehicle into, and hung up on, a wall. First-in companies found a vehicle had travelled across a property and crashed into a wall alongside a driveway. There were no reported injuries and extrication was not requirement.

- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

1 Hurt in Fall River MVA On September 19, 2019, Fall River (MA) firefighters responded to an MVA with entrapment on Globe Street. A female occupant was transported to Rhode Island Hospital for injuries incurred.

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 19

Driver Injured in Charlton MVA

On July 20, 2019 Charlton (MA) firefighters extracted the sole occupant from the single vehicle accident on Dresser Hill Road.

She was transported to UMASS hospital.

- Fire News photo by Bud Harris

4 Hurt in Yarmouth MVA At about 2200 on August 9, 2019, Yarmouth (MA) firefighters and police responded to the 500 block of Route 28 for a car versus utility pole with wires down. Three ambulances and an engine responded to the scene and four occupants, including a child, were transported with non-life-threatening injuries.

- Fire News photo by Rick Kulmann

Page 20, Fire News, November 2019

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1 Hurt in Carver Overturn

Carver (MA) Fire Companys 1 and 3 responded to a single car MVA rollover near the intersection of Meadow and Main Streets with one person trapped. Crews from Rescue 1 extricated the vic-

tim through the windshield of the overturned pickup. The patient was handed over to EMS care and crews mitigated the remaining hazards.

- Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon

Extrication in Manchester On September 17, 2019, Manchester (CT) crews responded to an MVA at Center Street and West Center Street. One car rolled over trapping the driver.

- Fire News photo by Patrick Dooley

Taftville 3-Car MVA Taftville (CT) firefighters responded to a three-car MVA which resulted in minor injuries, and two of the cars being towed from the scene.

- Fire News photo by Joe Shefer

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 21

Ooh, Ooh That Smell ‌ Lowell (MA) firefighters responded to Lowell General Hospital for a report of a burning smell inside the hospital.

- Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

... Can’t You Smell That Smell Carver (MA) Fire Companys 1 and 2 responded to a strong gas odor inside a home on Leonard Street. Engine 2 metered the home to find no reading but a strong smell. Crews naturally vented the home leaving no smell and no readings.

- Fire News photo by Tyler Reardon

Page 22, Fire News, November 2019

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Up Close & Personal

Bridgeport (CT) firefighters at a fire department fundraiser held to support homeless veterans. - Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

A Cranston (RI) firefighter at the scene of a recent working fire.

- Fire News photo by Ken LaBelle

Auburn (MA) Firefighter Fran Hartnett at a three-alarm fire in Leicester (MA) on July 29, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Bud Harris

Stamford (CT) Deputy Chief Pat Tripodi gives an interview to a local news crew after a recent house fire on High Ridge Road.

- Fire News photo by PuckStopper Photography.com Somerville (MA) firefighters rehabbing after battling a two-alarm fire on Willow Avenue. - Fire News photo by Owen Carrigan

Leominster (MA) Firefighters (left to right) Adam Cordio, Shawn Phillips, Brandon O’Connor, Kim Bonney and Adam Garabidean after a run.

- Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

A Holbrook (MA) firefighter on scene of a working fire.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

A Wolcott (CT) lieutenant operating at the scene of a house fire in Wolcott.

- Fire News photo by FireGround Images.com

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 23

Cover Story

Garage Fire Extends in Newington

On September 14, 2019, Newington (CT) firefighters were dis- ½ inch line. The fire did extend into the home and caused heavy patched to a structure fire on Deer Path. The first arriving chief damage to the interior. Firefighters were on scene for several hours. reported an attached garage well involved and had crews pull a 2- Fire News photos by Jim Peruta, CFPA

Page 24, Fire News, November 2019

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Structure Fire Training

Live Burn at Hollis FD

Recently, the UCONN and Hartford Fire Departments trained on structure fires.

- Fire News photo by Michael Brinius

Presumpscot Valley Fire Academy in Westbrook (ME) performed a live burn at the Hollis (ME) Fire Department on Saturday, May 18, 2019.

- Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg

Live Fire Training

The Hartford (CT) Fire Department trained at a live fire scenario in July. The fire department focused mainly on throwing ladders, search and rescue and ventilation. - Fire News photo by Nick Peruta

New Anchor System Training On July 15, 2019, members of the Suffield (CT) Fire Department were at Suffield Academy training on the newly purchased CMC Arizona Vortex multi-directional anchoring system. This will come in handy with confined spaces, low-angle and high-angle rescues. Members learned how to create mechanical advantage systems to haul rescuers and victims. This new addition will broaden the department’s capabilities in more technical-related emergencies.

- Fire News photo by Jennifer Tilsch-Nardi

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 25

Obituaries

Leominster’s Randall Pouliot

Leominster (MA) firefighters came to say goodbye to Leominster Firefighter Randall Pouliot. The 16-year career city Firefighter died September 21, 2019, at the age of 52 in an ATV accident on his way home.

Randy was the Engine 3 Chauffeur on Group 1, and was a Gardner (MA) firefighter before being laid-off and coming to Leominster. Chief of Department Robert Sideleau II said, “I can’t say enough good things

about him. He will be missed.”

Randy was also known for his work with his wife Melanie in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life.

Randy leaves his wife Melanie of 20 years and his three daughters and son-in-laws along with his four grandchildren.

- Fire News photos by Scott LaPrade

Wethersfield’s Thomas P. Watson On September 3, 2019, the Wethersfield (CT) Volunteer Fire Department laid to rest retired Chief Thomas P. Watson.

Chief Watson proudly served his community for 39 years, retiring as Chief of Department in 1999. Prior to that he was a Lieutenant, Captain, Deputy Chief of Training and Assistant Chief of the Department.

Please keep the Watson family in your thoughts and prayers.

- Fire News photo by Nick Peruta

Johnston’s Richard Gemma

The Johnston (RI) Fire Department laid one of their own to rest with Fire Department Honors on September 3, 2019.

Firefighter Richard Gemma passed away on August 27, 2019, age 45, due to injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident.

Born in Providence, he was the beloved son of Johnston Battalion Chief (ret.)

Richard L. Gemma and Kathleen (Adamo) Gemma of Johnston; loving father of Siobhan H. San Antonio of Cranston, Gianna J. Gemma of Johnston and Antonio R. Gemma of Cranston; dear brother of Louis J. Gemma of Englewood, FL; loving grandson of Hilda Adamo of Johnston; and cherished uncle of Louis R. Gemma.

Richard was a graduate of Cranston East High School and a firefighter for the Town of Johnston since 2013.

Honor Guards from many local departments attended the services.

- Fire News photos by Ken LaBelle

Page 26, Fire News, November 2019

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Bolton Public Ed.

Acton Old Timers Relocate Engine 3 and Engine 4 of the Acton (MA) Fire Department, 1936 Seagraves, recently relocated to the Acton Emergency Management building on School Street. These are consecutive serial numbered units off the production line.

- Fire News photo by Shaun Shattuck

Recently, Bolton (MA) Fire Rescue provided public education at a community event.

- Fire News photo by Michael Brinius

MDA Boot Drive

Connecticut Fireman’s Convention

Leominster (MA) firefighters collected donations for the annual MDA boot drive in downtown.

- Fire News photo by Scott LaPrade

Orange Dedicates New Fire Truck A new fire truck, dedicated at the Orange (CT) Volunteer Fire Department’s Boston Post Road station, will help firefighters protect their neighbors for years to come, according to Orange First Selectman James M. Zeoli.

The new truck, designated Quint-32, went into service earlier this month.

Equipped with a 75-foot aerial ladder, 1,500-gpm pump and a variety of other tools, the Spartan/Smeal truck is designed to perform a variety of tasks at emergencies. Firefighters held a wetdown which included speeches and a cornhole tournament. The truck replaces a 1978 Mack CK that had a 50-foot ladder and a 1,000-gpm pump. The truck was paid for through the Fireman’s Carnival and other fund-raising activities.

After the ceremony, firefighters from Orange and surrounding towns competed in a cornhole tournament. Paul DeGeorge and Kyle Brennan, both with Beacon Hose Company 1 of Beacon Falls, won the contest. The new truck already is in service.

- Submitted by Doug Fenichel

State of Connecticut Fireman’s Convention parade hosted by the Huntington Fire Department. It was their 100th anniversary.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

Bethel Memorial Service On September 15, 2019, the Bethel (CT) Volunteer Fire Department hosted their annual memorial service. The service was rescheduled from Memorial Day after the department responded to two structure fires on the day of the annual parade/memorial service. Past-Chief Phil Valenti served as the bellringer while Chief Scott Murphy and Assistant Chief Ed Bruey read the names of members who have passed. As the service transitioned to the wetdown ceremony, Tim Pelton, Commander Emeritus of the Connecticut Statewide Honor Guard, explained the significance of challenge coins, followed by the presentation of commemorative challenge coins to members of the truck committee who designed the new Engine 6.

- Fire News photo by Coral Ruggiero

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 27

Quincy 90th Annual Firefighter Sunday The honor guard at Quincy’s (MA) annual Firefighter Sunday ceremony.

- Fire News photo

by Liz Feitelberg

Remembering Chief Clyde Finger

Bethel (CT) First Selectman, Matt Knickerbocker, presented a proclamation to retired Bethel Firefighter Steve Finger, in memory of his father, Clyde Finger, a 77-year member and past Chief who passed away August 20, 2019 at the age of 93.

- Fire News photo by Coral Ruggiero

Brockton Benefit Concert

Brockton (MA) Firefighters Local 144 Benefit Concert for The 100 Club of Massachusetts.

- Fire News photo by Liz Feitelberg

Homes for the Brave Fundraiser On August 10, 2019, members from the Bridgeport (CT) Fire Department teamed up with Fairfield Fire, Milford Fire, and Stratford Fire at the Boca Oyster Bar on East Main Street in Bridgeport to hold a fundraiser for Homes for the Brave.

Through the sale of custom t-shirts, members raised money for the non-profit that provides housing and services to homeless veterans. Shirts are still available and can be purchased by visiting www.firerosity.org.

- Fire News photo by FireGroundImages.com

3 WVFA Members Certify as FF One Three members of the Woodstock (CT) Volunteer Fire Association (WVFA) recently earned national certification as Fire One Interior Structure Firefighters.

(From left): John Kline, James Baarda and Kevin Perry, all from Woodstock.

Kline, an 11-year member of the department, is a Lieutenant with WVFA’s Emergency Medical Service. Baarda, a three-year member, and Perry, a six-year member, are Firefighters with WVFA. The Fire One training is a six-month class.

The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association (WVFA) is a nonprofit volunteer organization whose purpose is to provide emergency services and community service to the Town of Woodstock as firefighters, Rescue Team members and EMTs. WVFA (Station 76) now has 50 active members — 18 are Firefighter One, two are Firefighter Two, and the balance are divers, fire police, EMS staff and support staff.

- Submitted by Greg Kline

West Haven Fireboat Dedication On October 2, 2019, members of the West Haven (CT) Fire Department and local officials and dignitaries gathered to dedicate the city’s newest fireboat. The vessel was blessed and christened the James C. Woodman after Firefighter Paramedic Jimmy Woodman who was killed in the line of duty as a result of an ambulance accident. Mr. Woodman’s parents were on hand to christen the vessel with the traditional bottle of champagne on the bow.

- Fire News photo by Glenn Duda

Page 28, Fire News, November 2019

48th Engine 260 Muster

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Recently, the 48th annual Engine 260 Muster was held in Milford (CT).

- Fire News photos by Glenn Duda

9/11 Remembered

On September 11, 2019, Fall River (MA) held a remembrance service for the 18th anniversary of the terrorist attack on America.

- Fire News photo by Ken Leger

On September 11, 2019, the Halifax (MA) Fire Department proudly displayed the American Flag on their Tower 1, a 2016 Rosenbauer Commander mid-mount tower, out in front of their headquarters.

- Fire News photo by Pat Travers

Members of the Suffield (CT) Fire Department had the chance of a lifetime to bring their brand-new Engine 3 to Liberty State Park (NJ) to get the engine photographed with the Tribute in Lights commemorating 9-11 in the background.

- Fire News photo by John Deforest

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Fire News, November 2019, Page 29

Promotion and Recognition Ceremony

On August 1, 2019, the UConn Division of Public Safety held a Promotion and Recognition Ceremony, consisting of civilian awards, life saving awards, unit and personal citations, meritorious service awards, armed forces service awards, and promotions for both the fire and police departments, Office of Emergency

Management, and Environmental Health and Safety.

Congratulations to all who received those awarded and promoted in front of their families, coworkers, and community members.

- Fire News photos by Coral Ruggiero

Page 30, Fire News, November 2019

GENNARO ANNOUNCES NEW FIREJEWELRY.COM WEBSITE The NEW FireJewelry.com website by Gennaro Jewelers has arrived with a great deal of “buzz” in the firefighting /EMS community! Celebrating their 95th year in business, Gennaro Jewelers has created an exciting new website featuring the very best in fireman rings, pendants, Maltese crosses, St. Florian medals, Chief’s rings, Captain’s rings and so much more!

America’s largest first responder manufacturer, FireJewelry.com sells direct to the firefighting community. Featuring Sterling Silver charms (that fit ladies Pandora bracelets) to unique designs in lady firefighter rings … each ring is carefully handmade in the United States by old-world expert craftsmen.

Gennaro Jewelers unique rings have been created by an award-winning jewelry designer and created to feature your proud membership in an elite group …firefighting!

Firejewelry.com welcomes custom watches and ring designs. Designers are on the premises to create special awards and anniversary gifts. Visit the NEW website: Firejewelry.com or email questions or ideas to Gary@GennaroJewelers.com

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