Structure Fire - 31 Karen Lee RdOctober 19, 2009 ON October 19, 2009 at 9:45 AM THE GLASTONBURY FIRE DEPARTMENT received a 911 call from 31 Karen Lee Rd reporting smoke.
Fire showing from a window at 31 Karen Lee Road October 19, 2009. GFD File Photo courtesy of Roger Fierravanti
First arriving Glastonbury Fire Department Units advised of a structure fire in the home. They found fire in the front portion of the structure. Firefighters were able to make entry and extinguish the fire. No injuries were reported during the incident.
35th Annual Glastonbury Apple Harvest Festival.
October 17-18, 2009 On Saturday October 17th and Sunday October 18th from 10:00 AM to 5 PM the fire department will present Fire Safety programs as well as Vehicle Extrication Demonstrations throughout the day.
The Connecticut Fire Academy’s Kid’s Fire Safety House will be part of that program. The Kid’s Fire Safety House is a mobile teaching tool used to make fire safety education more realistic for children.
The Kid’s Fire Safety House is an actual “structure” where children learn about home fire safety in a realistic setting. The Kid’s Fire Safety House has a living room, kitchen and bedroom and uses a non-toxic smoke to simulate an actual fire situation. The bedroom door has a heating element which can make it warm to the touch. This helps the child to choose the correct way to escape. The bedroom is also equipped with a window and escape ladder that students use if the primary exit is blocked.
Children are taught valuable lessons such as “Crawl Low in Smoke”, “Have a Home Escape Plan and Practice it”, “How to Report an Emergency” and other home safety tips. The program will be presented by members of the Glastonbury Fire Department and Connecticut Fire Academy. The Kid’s Fire Safety House is made possible through the Public Education and Fire Prevention Program of the Glastonbury Fire Department and the State of Connecticut Commission On Fire Prevention and Control. Please click here to read about other Glastonbury Fire and Glastonbury Fire Marshall's Office Fire Prevention activities as reported in The ReminderNews.
Glastonbury Fire Department Swearing In Ceremony - June 4th, 2009
The fire department held a formal Swearing In ceremony on Thursday June 4, 2009 at the Town of Glastonbury Council Chambers. The Traditional Ceremony is a time for the department to acknowledge the hard work of each member taking an oath and receiving their badge.
Three Officers (Captain Anthony Bisi, Lieutenants Shawn Curreri, and Michael Paternoster) recently promoted after completing an examination process for their respective positions received their oath and badge. This involves a serious commitment to the men and women of the department and the Citizens of Glastonbury. Each of them has met the required Education, Certification, and Training associated with their new position.
Firefigthters Shawn Buckley, Michael Glazier, Paul Kehoe, Jay LaPanne, Shannon McFadden, Nathan McGuirk, and William Weidemann were promoted to Firefighter. Many hours of formal training both classroom and live emergency scenarios are required to obtain State and Federal Certification to Fire Fighter 1 (140 hours minimum). Additional department training in the areas of Hazardous Materials Operational, The National Incident Management System, Weapons of Mass Destruction, and Fire Department Standard Operational Procedures significantly add to the total time required to come off Probation and receive your badge.
Officers and Firefighters honored at the 2009 Swearing-In Ceremony. GFD File Photo
Glastonbury Fire Department Firefighter of the Year 2009 - May 7th, 2009
The Glastonbury Fire Department honored Acting Chief Michael Thurz as its Firefighter of the Year at a banquet presented by the Glastonbury Exchange Club on Thursday, May 7th, 2009.
“It’s only fitting that I accept this honor on behalf of all the members of the GFD,” Thurz said, calling the department his “extended family.” “There is a special bond that is created by joining our department,” he said. Thurz said he owes his success to the support given to him by his wife of 16 years, Kathleen, and their three children , Allison, Nichole and Ryan.
Town Manager Richard Johnson read a proclamation from the Town Council, which he called “well deserved ,” and offered his personal congratulations. Please click here to read about the event as reported in The ReminderNews.
2009 Firefighter of the Year, Acting Chief Michael Thurz, and his wife, Kathleen. GFD File Photo
Glastonbury Fire Department Awards Dinner 2009 - April 4th, 2009
On Saturday April 4th The Glastonbury Fire Commission hosted its annual awards dinner recognizing department members for their dedicated service to the community and accomplishments in education, years of service, and a company citation award.
The evening included recognizing Retiring Deputy Chief Donald “Pete” Cowles with just short of 57 years of service to the Town of Glastonbury Fire Department. He was recognized for advancements and contributions to the rescue side of the department. He also was instrumental in the implementation of standardized training throughout the department meeting the criteria for State of Connecticut and National Certification as a Firefighter as prescribed by the National Fire Protection Association. This training standard is the same for all professional firefighters; career or volunteer. 
Fire Commissioner Ray Dolan thanking department members and families for their dedicated service and sacrifices to protect the Citizens of Glastonbury. GFD File Photo
From left to right Lt. John Sikorski, Acting Chief Michael Thurz, & Deputy Chief Anthony Pagliughi enjoying some fun with special awards. GFD File Photo
Retiring Deputy Chief Donald “Pete” Cowles addressing his fellow firefighters and guests. GFD File Photo
April 1, 2009: The Glastonbury Fire Commission Approved and Announced Two Promotions Recommended By Acting Chief Michael Thurz
Lieutenant Anthony Bisi has been promoted to the Rank of Captain of Company #2. Anthony has just short of 31 years of experience and service with GFD.
Firefighter Michael Paternoster with 16 years of service with GFD has been promoted to the Rank of Lieutenant at Company #2.
Both leadership positions require experience, training, and a dedicated commitment to the safety of their fellow firefighters. Additionally, each is entrusted with a higher responsibility within the Department and to the Town of Glastonbury. Each went through a testing and interviewing process to be selected for promotion.
Captain Anthony Bisi. GFD File Photo
Lieutenant Michael Paternoster. GFD File Photo
March 31: GFD Deputy Chief McKinney particiaptes along with other Town Officials in Guest Reader Day. Please click here to read about the event as reported in The ReminderNews.
WET DOWN CEREMONY FOR ENGINE #11 SATURDAY MARCH 21ST FROM 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
The Glastonbury Fire Department invites the public to participate in the ceremonial acceptance of its newest Fire Engine at Company #1 located at 2825 Main Street.
A fire department “Wet Down” is very similar to that of christening a new ship into the fleet. This traditional event has been in existence for many years throughout the fire service and ceremoniously places the new apparatus into operation protecting the firefighters and the community.
Firefighters take personal pride and ownership with the firefighting apparatus assigned to each of their stations and should, “they depend on it for their life”. The wet down or spraying and pushing of the new engine into the station places the apparatus in service or into the fleet.
Company #1 Naubuc Fire Departments newly restored American LaFrance Antique Engine #1 will do the honors and wet down the new engine. What could be better “The Old and the New”.
The new Engine #11 which took several months to manufacture by Marion Rescue & Fire Apparatus replaces an older engine which had been in service for 20 plus years. The normal life of fire apparatus is 20 years.
The newer apparatus is equipped with many features that the older engine lacked. A much safer cab for the responding firefighters, carrying 750 gallons of water, a larger pump (1500 gpm), more compartmentalization, and the newest technology available to the fire service.
Refreshments will be served and commemorative T-shirts will be on sale. |