Cohanzie Fire Company #5 to Celebrate Volunteer Firefighter Day

On Sunday, April 15, 2018, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Cohanzie Volunteer Fire Company #5 will celebrate Volunteer Firefighter Day and the start of National Volunteer Week (April 15-22, 2018) by holding a special recruitment open house. Visitors to the fire house located at 53 Dayton Road in Waterford may watch members of the department conduct multiple training drills, including motor vehicle extrications, heavy vehicle stabilization, and airbag lifts, as well as witness a simulated car fire. In addition, visitors will be able to talk with volunteer firefighters about the work they do, explore fire apparatus and turnout gear, get a tour of the fire house, and fill out an application. Cohanzie Volunteer Fire Company #5 has jobs for volunteers of all skill levels and abilities, from firefighters to junior members (ages 15-18) and even property managers. For more information, visit the Fire Company’s website and Facebook page.

More than 80 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.

Cohanzie Volunteer Fire Company #5 is just one of many departments throughout Connecticut actively recruiting new volunteers. Founded in 1942, the company proudly serves the people and businesses of the Town of Waterford 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Dedicated volunteer members train diligently to ensure the protection of life and property within the Fire District, the Town of Waterford, and wherever they may be called to provide mutual aid coverage throughout the region.

Cohanzie Volunteer Fire Company #5 operates a full spectrum of Fire, Rescue, and EMS apparatus, including: Fire Engine W51, Forestry Engine W53, Tower Ladder W55, Service W56, Ambulance W500, Ambulance W600, and W57, the only Heavy Rescue in the Town of Waterford. In addition. Cohanzie is responsible for the operation of a unique piece fire and rescue apparatus, Track Safety W54. Staffed by a crew of four, W54 serves as the Waterford Speedbowl’s Track Safety unit, and is equipped as a light pumper that is capable of handling vehicle extrication.

Volunteer Firefighter Day is part of Everyday Hero CT, a program dedicated to increasing the number of volunteer firefighters throughout the state. A partnership of the Connecticut Fire Chiefs Association (CFCA) and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC), the Everyday Hero CT campaign is a 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 fire departments throughout Connecticut. 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.

Photo Credit: Steven Frischling / Waterford Fire Department