By Olivia Drake, HVFCo Public Information Officer.
Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to a total of 90 calls for emergency services in January and February 2019.
Of those: 42 occurred in January and 48 occurred in February.
Fires, alarms: 19
Motor vehicle accidents: 8
Medicals: 52
Other: 11
On Jan. 8, 2019 crews responded to an appliance/structure fire on Old Ponsett Road. Upon arrival, firefighters helped an elderly man exit his home and EMS personnel evaluated him on the scene. Inside, firefighters used compressed foam and minimal water from Engine 6-13 to extinguish a small kitchen fire that had spread from the range to a wall, upper wooden cabinets, and a vent fan unit. Firefighters pulled the range away from the wall and opened the wall and ceiling to check for extension. They also removed the burning vent fan unit from the home.
On Jan. 18, Haddam Fire was dispatched to a MVA on Little City Road. The vehicle was found on its side, but Good Samaritans helped the occupant out of his vehicle prior to fire and EMS arriving. The occupant was evaluated by Haddam EMS and refused any further treatment. Haddam Fire stabilized the vehicle until it was removed by a wrecker.
On Jan. 30, in icy conditions, crews were dispatched to Route 9 south for a one-car MVA. The driver had lost control of his vehicle, veered off the highway, and struck two trees. The vehicle launched into the air and rolled over, landing on its wheels. The driver was transported Hartford Hospital.
Five patients were transported to local hospitals following a motor vehicle accident Feb. 2 on Saybrook Road near the Jail Hill Road intersection. At 9:05 p.m., Haddam Volunteer Fire Company and Chester Hose Company were dispatched to the scene where two vehicles collided. One vehicle was found on its roof with two occupants still inside. Fire Police immediately shut down a section of Saybrook Road and rerouted traffic.
Crews stabilized the vehicles and used hydraulic tools to force open the vehicle’s doors and extricate the occupants. While the patients were being evaluated and transported, firefighters worked to contain fluid leaks from both vehicles.
On Feb. 1, HVFC was requested to assist with a flooded basement pump-out on Third Ave. Crews used Utility Vehicle 8-13 to remove 3-feet of water.
On Feb. 19, Haddam Fire was dispatched to Grapevine Road for a possible chimney fire. A neighbor called 9-1-1 to report visible flames from the chimney. Firefighters removed and extinguished all burning debris from the firebox and checked the home with thermal imaging cameras for signs of extension. Crews dropped chains into the chimney from the rooftop to ensure that the chimney passage was clear of burning debris.
On Feb. 20, a driver lost control of his vehicle and slid down an embankment on Foot Hills Road. The driver self-extricated and was not injured during the incident.
TRAINING
HVFC began the 2019 year with an ice rescue drill, a blindfolded room sweep, a CPR refresher, bloodborne and airborne pathogen training, and a SCBA (self-contained breathing apparatus) drill.
MEMBERSHIP
During Haddam Volunteer Fire Company’s meeting on Jan. 7, Firefighter Robert “Bob” Kadrle was honored for 50 years of service to the company. Bob is the first member of the company’s 89 years of history to serve for this length of time. In addition to receiving a 50-years-of-service pin, Bob was honored with a proclamation by Haddam First Selectwoman Lizz Milardo. She declared Jan. 8, 2019 as “Robert Kadrle Day” for the Town of Haddam.
Members of Haddam Volunteer Fire Company celebrated their 2018 achievements during the annual Firefighters’ Appreciation Banquet held Feb. 2 at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station. Haddam Fire Chief Sam Baber emceed the event, which included a social hour with hors d’oeuvres, dinner, awards, recognition speeches, raffle prizes, and a photo slide show. The banquet ended abruptly at 9:05 p.m., when many firefighters responded to the scene of a motor vehicle accident.
For more information on becoming a member of Haddam Volunteer Fire Company, email membership@haddamfire.org. All training is provided!
