Riverside Fire Co. in Oxford Seeks Volunteers

Many people tell Riverside Fire Co. Capt. John Ellis they want to volunteer for a local fire department but aren’t sure they can bring themselves to run into a burning building.

His response? “You don’t have to.”

“There are so many ways people can volunteer that doesn’t require running into a burning building,” said Ellis, who has been a volunteer for 18 years at the Riverside Fire Co. "We want to educate people on all of the ways they can get involved."

For example, there are mechanics who work on fire apparatus, people who drive trucks to fire and accident scenes or steer boats along the Housatonic River, and women who provide various forms of assistance through the ladies’ auxiliary.

The Riverside Fire Co., which has served the town since 1942 and currently has 22 active members, is holding a membership drive. While all three Oxford fire companies – Riverside, Oxford Center and Quaker Farms – are constantly accepting new members, Ellis is actively pursuing volunteers by putting out flyers with information about all the ways people can participate.

All three companies combined have about 120 members including junior firefighters, said Oxford Fire Chief Scott Pelletier.

Ellis said volunteers don’t have to come from Oxford; they can live in Beacon Falls, Monroe, Naugatuck, Monroe, Seymour and Southbury.

As the years go on, Ellis said, requirements to become a firefighter, and to keep up with requirements, have become harder. And there are some times when the job requires firefighters to leave their families at inopportune times, such as at a structure fire this past Thanksgiving.

But for Ellis and several others who volunteer, it is worth the time commitment.

“I’ve gotten a second family out of this place,” he said.

Note the following information:

• Anyone who is interested in learning more can contact Ellis at 203.734.7607.
• The Riverside Fire Co. will host a pancake breakfast Sunday morning. Click here for more information. 

The following information is from a flyer Ellis is putting out about ways people can participate in the Riverside Fire Co. or the two other local fire companies.

Can you really make a difference? 

• Yes! We need your help! If it weren’t for volunteers, three-fourths of the United States would be without adequate fire protection; this includes Oxford.
• Not every firefighter has to go inside a burning building.
• What most people don’t know is that there are plenty of jobs that get done at the fire scene or fire house that does not include fire.
• Few jobs offer the challenges and rewards that our volunteer fire company offers. Truthfully, the job is not for everyone. You need courage, plenty of dedication and a willingness to learn new skills.

It’s your decision!

What you do with your free time is obviously your choice. What if you could truly make a difference? What if you would significantly affect the lives of others by learning skills that can keep them safe? The choice is yours.

What could you do?

If given the training, would you be willing to: 

• Respond to fire, rescue and public service alarms;
• Use equipment such as fire extinguishers, pry bars, hooks, ropes, ladders, power tools, Jaws-of-Life, self-contained breathing apparatus;
• Assist with traffic control on scene;
• Drive and operate fire apparatus such as engines, rescues and fire boats;
• Assist with educational presentations on fire and life safety in the local school system?

Benefits of joining?

• Full fit for duty annual medical examination
• Line of duty medical insurance coverage
• Hepatitis B vaccination
• Free fire service training
• The skills that you learn will not only benefit the Oxford community, but will give you the ability and confidence to assist your own family and friends in times of emergency.

Ladies Auxiliary

• Support the firefighters in emergency situations
• Keep riverside family together by hosting various gatherings
• Make new friends and support our community

Free training

• The Oxford Fire Department makes a strong commitment to the safety and well being of its members by providing top-level training and equipment.
• Through training, you can gain skills such as fire prevention, firefighting skills, hazardous material recognition and response and safe emergency driving.
• Firefighting is a constantly changing profession; therefore, all training is provided by the department and paid for by the town of Oxford. Absolutely no prior experience is necessary.
• Many people with no prior knowledge of fire operations are now fully trained, valued members of our Riverside Fire Co. After becoming a member of the department, you will receive continuing education during our training drills with your peers.