By Olivia Drake, HVFCo. Public Information Officer.
Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to 46 calls for emergency services in December 2018. Of those:
Fire/Alarms: 7
Motor Vehicle Accidents: 7
Medical: 27
Other: 5
On Dec. 10, 2018, HVFC was dispatched to Wiese Albert Road for a chimney fire. Inside the home’s basement, firefighters discovered creosote burning inside a wood stove’s flue damper. The flue damper was too hot and too blocked to open, so firefighters used a dry chemical extinguish and smother the fire. Once cooled, crews were able to open the damper and knock burning creosote loose. From the rooftop, firefighters dropped chimney chains down the flue to remove more burning debris. The Haddam Fire Marshal instructed the homeowner not to use the wood stove again until the chimney was inspected by a professional.
Deer were responsible for two motor vehicle accidents this month on Saybrook Road. On Dec. 15, 2018 a driver was transported to Middlesex Hospital with chest paints after hitting a deer. HVFC closed one lane of traffic during the incident. On Dec. 23, 2018 HVFC responded to another car vs. deer incident. The patient had self-extricated and was evaluated on scene.
On Dec. 26, 2018 HVFC responded to a motor vehicle accident on Brainard Hill Road involving three patients. A driver had lost control of his vehicle and struck a tree head-on. Crews evaluated all three patients on scene, and Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service transported the vehicle’s passenger to Middlesex Hospital.
On Dec. 27, 2018 HVFC was dispatched to another motor vehicle accident on Killingworth Road near the Route 9 ramp intersection. All four patients involved in the accident were transported to area hospitals for treatment. A driver, who was evading police in a high-speed chase, had exited Route 9 at exit 9, failed to stop, and struck a vehicle traveling on Killingworth Road. That vehicle, which contained a driver and two passengers, rolled over upon impact. HVFC personnel provided care to the driver, who ultimately was transported to Hartford Hospital via Hunters Ambulance. The front seat passenger was transported to Hartford Hospital via Haddam Volunteer Ambulance Service, and the rear seat passenger also was transported to Hartford Hospital via Chester Ambulance with a paramedic from Middlesex Hospital. The other vehicle’s operator, who is in custody of the Connecticut State Police, was transported to Middlesex Hospital via Hunters Ambulance. According to a report issued by the CSP, the driver was observed traveling 89 MPH in a 65 MPH zone. He was arrested and charged with reckless driving, operating under suspension, failure to have minimum insurance, engaging in pursuit, evading responsibility, interfering with a police officer, reckless endangerment, possession of less than 1/2 ounce of marijuana, assault 2nd degree and assault 3rd degree.
On Dec. 25, 2018 HVFC was dispatched to the Haddam Elementary School to meet DEEP personnel and investigate a bright green liquid discovered in a nearby brook. Firefighters traced the substance back to a storm drain at the intersection of Saybrook Road and Christian Hill Road. They questioned a nearby homeowner, who stated that he used a non-toxic green tracer dye in his sump pump to locate a leak. Firefighters discovered that his sump pump drained directly into a basin at Saybrook Road and Christian Hill Road. The scene was turned over to DEEP with no hazards present.
IN THE COMMUNITY
Haddam Volunteer Fire Company’s Junior Division raised $565 during a fill-the-boot event. The funds were donated to the 30th annual HKTV Holiday Telethon, which raised donations for Connecticut-based organization After the Storm.
More than 130 children attended Haddam Volunteer Fire Company’s annual Children’s Christmas Party on Dec. 15. Thank you to everyone who came out and visited with Santa!
MEMBERSHIP
HVFC welcomes new members interested in the role of firefighter and fire police. All training and gear are provided. For more information email membership@haddamfire.org.
