By Olivia Drake, HVFC Information Officer.
(May 19, 2023)—On May 15, members of Haddam Volunteer Fire Company worked in small teams to practice “dressing” and operating a hydrant. Prior to 2020, Haddam, like other rural towns in Connecticut, had no access to hydrants and utilized the help of a tanker task force to bring water to fire scenes. Now, the Tylerville section of Haddam is equipped with 17 hydrants along Bridge Road, Camp Bethel Road, Little Meadow Road, Saybrook Road and Brooks Court—near the new Blueway Commons Apartments complex.
The Town of Haddam also has more than 50 underground water supply tanks, accessible through an above-the-ground standpipe.
“While it’s highly likely that we’ll continue using tankers to deliver water to the majority of fire calls in Haddam, it’s important for our members to practice opening, testing, and properly connecting (hose)line to the hydrants and standpipes alike,” said Captain Jeff Doskos, who led the weekly drill. “It’s also a great skill to have if we’re sent as mutual aid to another town that uses hydrants.”
Photos by Olivia Drake.
