As A Winter Storm For The History Books Nears, 1 Fire Department Turns Plans Into Action

GOLDEN'S BRIDGE, NY — For most of us, the upcoming storm will be a major inconvenience, but for some, it can be a matter of life or death.

From the Golden's Bridge Fire Department.

The Golden's Bridge Fire Department spent Saturday preparing for an impending blizzard, which forecasters predict will bring heavy snow from Sunday into Monday. Fire officials are coordinating with other local agencies, including the Lewisboro Volunteer Ambulance Corps (LVAC) and the Lewisboro Highway Department, to ensure community safety.

LVAC is staging an ambulance at the Golden's Bridge firehouse during the storm to enhance emergency medical response within the fire district. The Golden's Bridge Fire Department will have a full complement of firefighters on standby at the firehouse, according to Golden's Bridge Fire Chief Albert Melillo. Standby crews will alternate shifts, ensuring the firehouse is continuously staffed throughout the storm.

Chief Melillo stated that this planning is designed to allow for rapid and effective emergency response for various situations, including fire, medical, vehicle incidents, ice and water rescues, and storm-related issues such as downed power lines and trees. "Our preemptive and coordinated planning is designed to execute a rapid and effective emergency response to all types of emergencies," Melillo said.

Golden's Bridge firefighters are working to respond as safely and quickly as possible, Melillo added. A plow has been installed on GBFD Rescue 25 to assist fire engines and other apparatus with emergency response. GBFD UTV 25 is also equipped for off-road emergency response on large properties and trails. Fire trucks carry cold water ice rescue suits for the Department's Ice Rescue Team.

Chief Melillo has shared contact information with the head of Lewisboro’s senior program to help expedite assistance for elderly residents. He urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel and stay off local roads so the Lewisboro Highway Department can clear them safely. Residents should also avoid downed power lines and ensure carbon monoxide detectors and smoke alarms have new batteries, especially when using fireplaces, generators, or space heaters.

"The key during any storm is to avoid putting yourself in harm’s way," Chief Melillo said. He advised residents to call 911 for emergencies, assuring them that Golden's Bridge firefighters are prepared to respond.

This press release was produced by the Golden's Bridge Fire Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.