Submitted by Michelle Ford
(February 5, 2026) — The men and women of the Killingworth Volunteer Fire Company (KVFC) collectively volunteered thousands of hours in 2025 through emergency response, ongoing training, equipment maintenance, and facility operations. In 2025, members responded to 503 calls, including 308 medical emergencies, 67 smoke and/or carbon monoxide detector false alarms, 26 mutual aid responses to neighboring towns, 25 motor vehicle accidents, 23 electrical fires, 17 miscellaneous fires, 11 public service calls, 9 smoke/odor investigations, 8 HAZMAT incidents, 4 carbon monoxide incidents, 3 structure fires, and 2 miscellaneous calls.
With medical emergencies accounting for more than 60% of responses, the KVFC works in close partnership with the Killingworth Ambulance Association (KAA) to provide critical initial care. Fire Department members are often first to arrive on scene, responding directly from their homes to provide patient stabilization until KAA and shoreline paramedics can assume transport. This year marked significant advancement in the Department’s medical capabilities with the achievement of glucometry certification and the acquisition of a new Zoe Vitals Machine. These tools enable responders to measure blood sugar levels and continuously monitor vital signs including oxygen saturation, blood pressure, heart rate, and temperature across all age groups. All KVFC members maintain CPR certification, with many holding Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) or Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) credentials.
Fire prevention education expanded this year with the Department’s traditional Fire Prevention Week visit to Killingworth Elementary School supplemented by new assemblies at HKIS and HK Middle School. The fall Open House (photo above) drew strong community participation with demonstrations of vehicle extrication and kitchen fire suppression techniques, along with a custom obstacle course and refreshments.
In lieu of the annual Santa cruise this year, the KVFC collected more than 325 toys for local families (photo above), supported the HK Little League Challenger Program, and served up dozens of breakfast sandwiches, hamburgers and hot dogs at the Parmelee Farm Artisan Market.
Professional development remained a priority in 2025.Firefighter Bryce O’Linn completed Firefighter 1, Q Endorsement, and EMT certifications. Luke Dooley achieved Firefighter II, EMT, and Q Endorsement. James Henderson earned EMT certification. Junior members Troy Depino and Sean Link completed Connecticut Fire Academy programs, with Link earning Honor Cadet recognition. Junior Fiona Judge attended Camp Fully Involved, a week-long hands-on training program for young women ages 14–20 interested in pursuing a career in the fire service. The Department recognized Dan Siegel with the David F. Dudek Award for outstanding call response and presented Fred Dudek with the Chief’s Award. Advanced training included Active Shooter response, Stop the Bleed, and Mass Casualty management. In addition, the Department took time to celebrate longtime member Andy Kuczma’s 100th birthday.
The Junior Firefighter program has 16 active members who began cross-training with neighboring shoreline departments this year. Members also made significant progress toward testing and maintenance of all town water sources, critical work given that Killingworth lacks hydrants. To address space constraints at the station, construction of a new building behind Station 1 has begun and is expected to be completed this spring.
The KVFC thanks the Board of Fire Commissioners, school administrators at Killingworth Elementary, HKIS and HK Middle School, the Killingworth Ambulance Association, Town officials, and all residents for their continued support. To help support our efforts, the KVFC is seeking residents interested in both traditional first responder roles and support positions including administrative work and fire police duties. If you’re interested, please contact FireChief@TownofKillingworth.com for information on joining.
Fire Safety Reminder: To help reduce false alarms from smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and keep residents safe, please test detectors monthly, replace batteries annually, and replace units that are more than ten years old. Anyone needing assistance obtaining a new detector may contact KVFC, as units are available for those in need. Please also ensure your house number is clearly displayed at the end of your driveway so that first responders can quickly locate your property during an emergency.
Photos provided by KVFC
