HVFCo. March Report

Members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company responded to 37 calls for emergency services in March:

Medical Emergencies – 20
Fires, alarms etc. – 8
Motor Vehicle Accidents – 8
Other – 1

While the snow is all but gone, the weather picture was very different on March 5 when members of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company and Chester Hose Company shoveled to gain access to the driver of a vehicle stuck in a deep snow bank along Route 9 near exit 8. The driver was extricated and transported by Chester Ambulance to Hartford Hospital.

During the usual run of emergency calls, members of the Fire Company enjoyed a couple of extra special moments. The first was a March 18 public service call on Geromin Drive in Higganum. Two homeowners found their dog struggling in a neighboring stream and called 911 for help.

Upon arrival, two firefighters entered the woods to assist one of the dog’s owners, who had already removed the dog from the water. The trio used a plastic sled to create a makeshift Stokes basket to transport the lethargic dog approximately 400 yards out of the woods. They warmed the dog with a blanket and advised the homeowners to take the dog to a veterinarian.

Also in March, members showed their support to a yellow fire truck-loving little boy in England suffering from a genetic condition called Severe Combined Immunodeficiency, or “Bubble Boy” disease.

To encourage 5-year-old Seth Lane, his parents asked people around the world to wear yellow in support on March 27 when he underwent a bone marrow transplant, and post their photos online via Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

For Seth, who loves the children’s television shows Fireman Sam, PAW Patrol and the color yellow, more than 40 Haddam firefighters and Junior members donned their yellow-striped turnout gear, in front of yellow fire trucks, holding signs of encouragement. Seth also is receiving photos of Fireman (Chief) Sam Baber and Booster, the HVFCo. mascot, who resembles the character “Marshall” on PAW Patrol.

Training
On March 14 and 15, Haddam hosted an advanced weekend of training as part of the Spring Middlesex County Fire School FFII class. A combination of Connecticut Fire Academy Advanced SCBA, Safety & Survival and Rapid Intervention Team classes was conducted over one evening and two weekend days.

Fire Company drills included scene size-up, station cleaning and a cardiocerebral resuscitation (CCR) refresher.

Finally, the Fire Company welcomes new probationary member Joshua Meyer.

Do You Have What It Takes? Find more information on the activities of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Co. and ways you can get involved at our website www.haddamfire.com, or connect with us on Facebook.