Calling the Selfless and Brave: Stony Hill and Bethel Fire Department Needs You!

While most people run away from a burning building, these selfless and brave volunteer firefighters run in to save lives.

Putting their lives on the line for complete strangers, Stony Hill and Bethel volunteer firefighters give their time and energy to make our community safer. Both departments are currently seeking new members.

Why would someone want to risk life and limb for people they don’t know? Many start as young as two with a love of that big, red shiny fire truck. As they get older, the sirens, flashing lights and camaraderie among the fire family add to the reasons they want to join. My Firefighter Nation states the following reasons people want to become a volunteer firefighter:

• To learn new skills
• To fulfill a family tradition (mom, dad, grandpa, uncle, was a firefighter)
• Interest in public safety as a potential career field
• To be a part of a team
• Someone in the F.D. talked to them, and they were so excited about it that it sounded pretty neat
• To gain excitement and experiences
• To develop a future career/build resume
• To pursue firefighting as a career field

Stony Hill Fire Department (SHFD) writes on their website, “If you love life and love to help, this is the place for you.”

SHFD accepts junior members as young as 16. For two years junior members will go on ride alongs and learn the ins and outs of the job. Once they turn 18, junior members will start to prepare to fight fires from within by training through classes and fighting mock fires at their training facility on Plumtrees Road.

Stony Hill Fire requires the following of members:

• Live within within a 3 mile radius of the fire house
• Complete a multi-state background check
• Interview with officers
• Pass a physical conducted by the town’s supported provider

Bethel Fire Department’s requirements are as follows:

• Live in the fire department’s primary response area (South of Rockwell Road)
• Obtain basic certification within one year of joining
• Attend drills on the second, third and fourth Mondays of the month at 7 p.m.
• Attend monthly meetings held the first Thursday night of each month at 8 p.m.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Bethel Volunteer Fire Department:

Chief Fred Ingram
36-38 South St., Bethel
Routine calls: (203) 778-7414
Chief Ingram: (203) 778-7414
Website: http://www.bvfdinc.com/

Stony Hill Volunteer Fire Department:

Chief Tom Galliford
59 Stony Hill Rd., Bethel
Routine calls: (203) 778-7417
Website: http://www.stonyhillfiredepartment.com

Photo via Shutterstock