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The fire department has had its busiest year ever! Thanks to all our incredible members who serve with dedication, commitment, and professionalism. The WVFD is an all-volunteer department, we dedicate many hours to responding, meeting and training in order to serve our community, and consider it a privilege to do so. Volunteering is part of what makes our Town, State and Country great. We meet on the first Thursday of every month, and train on the third Thursday, and the FAST squad meets and trains on the first Monday. The public is always welcome to sit in on a meeting, or observe the training. (Some observers have ended up participating). Anyone interested in joining the Fire dept. or FAST squad should either stop by the Firehouse or contact any member.
The WVFD will respond any time of the day or night, for any reason we are requested. The types of calls we responded to last year include gas leaks, unattended burning brush piles, medical emergencies, motor vehicle accidents, mountain rescues, station coverage for other departments, structure fires, chimney fires, vehicle fires, an oven fire, fire alarm activations, carbon monoxide alarm activations, branches or trees burning on power wires, mutual aid structure fires, flooded basements, a collapsed foundation, Police department assists, a plane crash, controlled structure burns, smoke investigations, forest fires, as well as issuing burn permits.
Obviously in order to be able to handle such a variety of situations it takes a lot of resources and training. Our trainings range from items such as cold water ice rescue, fire behavior, vehicle extrication, moving patients, pumper operations, etc. We are also required to do reporting on our activities to the federal government. Emergency Medical Technicians are required to have 48 hours of continuous education training within two years to maintain their certification. All emergency personnel are required this year to complete Incident Command System and National Incident Management System training. These are federal requirements designed to help first responders (Fire, police, EMS etc) to communicate and perform more effectively in a mass casualty event.
We have two pieces of apparatus that are in desperate need of replacement. Our rescue truck and tanker have served us well, but are both in poor condition to be able to handle the demands of our town. Medical emergencies are increasing at an unbelievable rate. It is crucial to be able to transport equipment and supplies safely and fast. We have developed a plan to equip the town with the vehicles we need with due regard to taxpayer dollars. This year we are asking the town for an additional capital reserve to pay off the loan on our first responding engine, which was purchased in 2002. With that payment, we will be able to obtain a new loan in which to start the replacement process of these vehicles. It is very important to start this process now as it will take some time to
design, order, build and deliver these vehicles. We feel this is a far better plan than an outright purchase. Please support the fire department warrant articles, your safety depends on it.
The WVFD has some new officers. I would like to acknowledge Glen and Doug Rayno, who stepped aside after nearly a quarter century of Lieutenants roles, and Chip Barett, who had been serving as Deputy Chief. These men, while still committed to the Department, unselfishly made way for other members to have an opportunity. Remaining in officers roles are Captain David Atwood Sr., Treasurer Keith Fleury, and Secretary Lisa Rayno. The newly elected Lieutenants are William “BJ” Hardy, and Sean Brunel. The new Deputy Chief is Karl Bjorklund. Thanks to all who participated, supported, and called upon us, it is a privilege to serve.
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