(January 6, 2021) In 2020, Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to a total of 463 calls for emergency services. Those incidents included:
- 37 fires (structures, vehicles, forest, cooking)
- 202 medicals
- 54 motor vehicle accidents (35 involved injuries)
- 9 rescues (extrication of victims from buildings, swimming areas)
- 21 hazardous conditions (flammable liquid or chemical spills, gas leaks, carbon monoxide incidents, smoke scares)
- 32 electrical (powerlines down, shorted electrical equipment)
- 24 public service and mutual aid
- 27 dispatched and canceled en route
- 46 malfunctioning or false alarm activations (smoke and carbon monoxide detectors)
- 11 others (storm assessment, lock-outs, smoke removal, steam leak, etc.)
COVID-19 was suspected on 22 of these calls, and confirmed on 4. In total, 185 Haddam residents tested positive for COVID-19 in 2020.
HVFC volunteers spent more than 2,120 combined hours responding to calls, and an additional 2,130 hours participating in meetings, drills, and training.
In addition, Firefighters Alison Halligan and Michael Saxton completed the Connecticut Fire Academy’s 180-hour Firefighter I course; Firefighter Jarrod Ramsey completed the 90-hour Firefighter II course; Chief Sam Baber completed the 40-hour Fire Service Instructor II course; Captain Joshua Meyer completed the 48-hour Fire Service Instructor I course; Firefighter Jed Morrissey completed a 24-hour Arborist Rescue course and a 24-hour Advanced High Directional course; and Firefighter Joel Newgard completed his EMT.
“Amid a global pandemic, our members volunteered more than 5,000 hours of their time giving back to the community,” said Chief Sam Baber. “I am extremely grateful and proud of our members for putting forth such a strong and valiant effort to helping others.”
In 2020, the company welcomed new Probationary Members Daní Rodríguez, Shannon Grimes, and Dylan Kessler. Newly-promoted Line Officers include Captain Joshua Meyer, Lieutenant Charlie Rourke, and Lieutenant Kyle Everett.
(Captains Rich Zanelli and Josh Meyer, Sept. 2020)
HVFC awarded years of service pins to nine members. All active members service pins every five years. Recipients include: Firefighter Ron Annino, 50 years; Captain Rich Zanelli, 45 years; Firefighter John Boothroyd, 40 years; Chief Sam Baber, 20 years; Captain Ed Adametz, 15 years; Firefighter Kyle Vallera, 10 years; Captain Joshua Meyer, 5 years; Firefighter Greg Duval, 5 years; and Chaplain Seth Nuzum, 5 years. In honor of his 50 years of service, July 6, 2020 was declared Ron Annino Day by the Town of Haddam.
(Firefighter Ron Annino, Annual Firefighters’ Appreciation Banquet, Riverhouse, Haddam, Feb. 2020)
Four Life Members (retired members who served for at least 15 years) passed away including Richard “Dick” Williams Jr. (who served 1962-1996); Tom Hartke (who served 1966-81); Erwin “Birdy” Burr Jr. (who served 1962-1984); and Phillip Frick (who served 1969-1986).
In October 2020, Haddam Town Clerk Scott Brookes, who served 25 years with HVFC and took Life Membership in 2002, retired as one of the Town of Haddam’s Fire Marshals after 23 years.
Haddam Volunteer Fire Company relies on dedicated town residents to serve as members of the fire company. Anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to apply, and all training and gear is provided. For more information visit haddamfire.com or email membership@haddamfire.org.
Happy New Year!
Photo by Olivia Drake
