Volume 22, Number 23
www.berlincitizen.com
Thursday, July 25, 2019
KVFD to host open house
SCHOOL NEWS
By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
Donning equipment that can weigh over 100 pounds or hauling pressurized hoses, residents can get a taste of the challenges that face firefighters when the Kensington Volunteer Fire Department hosts an open house on Saturday.
John Schmaltz was hired by Berlin Public Schools as its first security director. He previously ran the Public Safety Department at the University of Hartford. Devin Leith-Yessian, The Citizen
“I think they can get some unique experiences … hopefully they get to see our gear, equipment, some of the strategies we use,”
said Lt. James Wall. The department’s headquarters at 880 Farmington Ave. will be open to the public between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m. on July 27 and officers hope to give residents a chance to get some hands-on exposure to some of what their firefighters do. For instance, Wall said they hope to be able to give rides to those 18 or older in the bucket of Tower 3’s 85-foot ladder. See KVFD, A15
1st security director hired By Devin Leith-Yessian The Citizen
A former Hartford police officer has been hired as the Berlin schools’ first security director. In his new position, John Schmaltz will be monitoring ongoing security work at school buildings, such as new vestibules and security cameras. He will also be cre-
ating emergency procedures. the Berlin School System is on the right track.” "And most importantly, make sure ... students, facul- Schmaltz said he’s looking forward to the challenge of ty, staff and visitors feel comfortable,” said Schmaltz creating the new posiwho started July 1. “And par- tion. He also worked as director of public safety at the ents sending their kids to University of Hartford from school are at ease knowing that anything and everything 2007 to 2017. for the child's safety is being Chris Lyons worked with looked at or addressed. From the brief tour I had to- Schmaltz as a Hartford poday of some of the schools, See Security, A15
Berlin Firefighter Patrick Buckley speaks at the unveiling of the Kensington Fire Rescue Company's 9/11 monument on Sept. 11, 2018. Devin Leith-Yessian, The Citizen
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