Author: Mike Colon

Under the tutelage of C-Shift Firefighter Bret Newport, our three recruits were taught the ins and outs of forcible entry. A key step to know in the event of encountering locked doors during emergencies, mainly structure fires, forcible entry focuses on quick and safe methods to gain entry into a room or building. A 7-year veteran of our department and driver of Truck 22, Firefighter Newport is always willing to share his knowledge with any of our members, especially those like our newest three, as they embark on their careers.

Our three recruits are off and running for two weeks of in-house training before their assignments to their permanent shifts. Captain Mike Farrelly, Lieutenant Joe Wendland, and Firefighter Rich Decker took the time to go over the importance of properly making a hydrant during a structure fire. One of several steps in their training, it is this tutelage by our veteran staff that will help them excel as they begin their new careers.

Chief of Department James O’Brien, Captain Jacob Urban, and Danny The Fire Dog were on hand yesterday at Savin Rock School along with City of West Haven Mayor Dorinda Borer and Frosty The Snowman to hand out stuffed animals to our students and give the little ones a chance to meet and pet Danny! We thank the staff at Savin Rock School for both their warm hospitality and collaboration in helping make this event a resounding success. Once again we would

Like to thank the staff down at PetSmart including Store Leader Leonardo Molina and Assistant Store Leader Stephanie Schork for their generous contribution of stuffed animals. Without these essential community partnerships, great days like yesterday would drives not be possible. If you wish to drop off a toy or stuffed animal join us TODAY between 9am and dusk at the intersection of Captain Thomas and Kelsey Avenue with members of Local 1198 for our annual toy drive collection.

In what was a tri-district HazMat Awareness and Operational class, Naugatuck Fire Department Assistant Chief Walter Seaman instructed Center, West Shore, and City of West Haven-Allingtown members on proper procedures to safely handle any emergencies involving dangerous and/or hazardous materials. Chief Seaman, a 36-year fire service veteran discussed both past incidents and scenarios to consider. From high risk chemicals to explosive materials, there are several dangers to keep in mind and we are glad to have Chief Seaman on hand throughout the week to provide a key refresher to all of our respective shifts.

We sincerely thank all who have donated to this point to our annual toy drive. We extend a heartfelt thanks as well to the staff down at PetSmart including Store Leader Leonardo Molina and Assistant Store Leader Stephanie Schork for their generous contribution of stuffed animals that will be gifted to local children in need. Without these essential community partnerships, drives like this one would not be possible. If you wish to drop off a toy or stuffed animal please do so by placing one in our drop box located at our Headquarters of 366 Elm Street, West Haven, CT, 06516. The drop off all toys will be held this Friday, December 6, at the Savin Rock Conference Center located at the intersection of Captain Thomas and Kelsey Avenue.

A-Shift Firefighter Jeremiah Carrier throughout the week has been instructing a tri-district class meant to educate members of the dangers of blood and airborne diseases and the proper steps to keep safe when responding on medical alarms where patients may potentially be suffering from such diseases. In the fire service, we hold safety on the EMS ground in the same high regard we hold safety on the fire ground, making classes like these essential.

Led by B-Shift Captain Roy Sebas, members both in the classroom and out on the road have been training on the proper techniques of driving an emergency vehicle. Yes, we treat every emergency dispatch with urgency and strive to arrive to the scene as soon as possible, but it’s imperative we do safely. If we get into an accident en route, we unfortunately cannot complete our mission to help the public. Hence why refresher classes like these are so important from our newer members to our more veteran personnel, we all benefit and keep in line with our mission to ensure safety not only for the citizens we serve but ourselves as well.

Our three recruits, currently a part of Connecticut Fire Academy Class 74, had the opportunity to participate recently in a special live burn session held at the Litchfield Fire Academy. Gaining critical training in structure fire response tactics, this training will help sharpen their skill sets for their future careers in the fire service.