Everyday Heroes Wanted: Westfield Fire Department Seeks Volunteers

With a brand new year right around the bend, many are setting their intentions to eat healthier, lose weight, quit smoking, etc. These are very important, challenging life changes. Local volunteer firefighters are counting on residents to add one more resolution to the list: Join the Westfield Fire Department and become an Everyday Hero.

“As we prepare for 2017, we’re looking to make our fire department stronger than ever,” says Westfield Fire Department Deputy Chief Darrell Ponzio. “To do that we not only need more Firefighters but we also need Fire Police, Office Assistants, Auxiliary, and more. If you want to join our ranks and be part of our family, we will find a job for you.”

The Westfield Fire Department offers the following benefits to its volunteer members:

• Training
• Insurance programs
• Pay-per-call programs
• Length-of-service awards program

In addition, the Westfield Fire Department offers a number of member-only social events as well as access to its gym equipment and meeting facility.

Volunteers Needed

The Westfield Fire Department is currently participating in Everyday Hero CT, a program dedicated to increasing the number of volunteer firefighters throughout the state. Eighty percent of all fire personnel in Connecticut are volunteers, and the majority of fire departments throughout the state are experiencing a volunteer shortage. Local fire departments need volunteers of all skill levels and abilities, people willing and able to respond to emergencies whenever called upon.

“The skills and experience gained as a volunteer firefighter are invaluable and have a positive and lasting impact on the lives of others,” says Chief Fred Dudek, Everyday Hero CT program manager. “Those who join their local fire departments sign up for one of the most rewarding opportunities they’ll ever have.”

About the Westfield Fire Department

Founded in 1931, the Westfield Fire Department (WFD) provides fire prevention, fire protection, medical, and rescue services to approximately 14,500 people living in the 12.5 square mile area. The Department is comprised of approximately 75 dedicated and highly trained men and women who respond to emergencies 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Members have gone through various training classes and are certified to handle the dynamic situations any time they are called upon. With one fire station located at 653 East Street, the WFD operates two engines, one tower ladder, one tanker, one heavy rescue, two utility trucks, three brush vehicles, and two parade trucks. The Department provides mutual aid support to surrounding towns. Anyone interested in learning more about the WFD should call 860-632-2690, visit the WFD website, or stop by the fire house any weekday between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or any Tuesday night between 6:00 and 9:00.

About Everyday Hero CT

A partnership of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Everyday Hero CT campaign is a two-year Volunteer Workforce Solutions (VWS) initiative designed to address the shortage of volunteer firefighters in Connecticut. It is helping achieve a viable and sustainable volunteer firefighter workforce for 15 Connecticut fire departments: Broad Brook Volunteer Fire Department, Cromwell Fire and EMS Department, Gales Ferry Volunteer Fire Company, Gardner Lake Volunteer Fire Company, Inc. (Salem), Greenwich Fire Department, Killingworth Volunteer Fire Department, Middlefield Volunteer Fire Company, Old Mystic Fire Department, Rocky Hill Fire Department, Somers Fire Department, Stamford Volunteer Firefighters Association, Trumbull Volunteer Fire Services, Westfield Fire Department (Middletown), Windsor Volunteer Fire Department, Wolcott Fire Department. Everyday Hero CT is funded by a Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant awarded to the CFCA by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop a model to enhance the recruitment and retention of volunteer firefighters. For more information, visit www.EverydayHeroCT.org.