Danbury Firefighters Seek ‘Hydrant Heroes’ During Post-Storm Cleanup

DANBURY, CT — Danbury firefighters already work among heroes, but now they're looking for 'hydrant heroes' out in the community.

The Danbury Professional Fire Fighters, Local 801, IAFF, is urging residents to help keep fire hydrants clear of snow through a new community contest aimed at improving emergency response times.

The union announced the “Hydrant Hero Challenge” this week, encouraging residents to clear snow and ice at least three feet around a nearby hydrant and share a photo on social media.

“Snow-covered hydrants slow down emergency response — and seconds matter,” the union said in its announcement.

The contest started Monday and runs through Friday, Feb. 27, and is open to community members in Danbury.

To participate, residents must clear a hydrant, take a photo and post it to Facebook or Instagram.

Participants are asked to tag the union’s accounts — @Local801 on Facebook or @iaff_local_801 on Instagram — and use the hashtag #HydrantHeroDanbury.

The winner will receive a Danbury Fire Department/Local 801 swag pack, a social media shoutout, and what the union calls “official bragging rights as Danbury’s Hydrant Hero.”

Local 801, which is affiliated with the International Association of Fire Fighters, said the effort is designed to “help protect Danbury by keeping hydrants clear for faster emergency response.”

Residents are also encouraged to tag neighbors who regularly shovel sidewalks and may want to take part.