Report of the Fire Department 2008

2008 saw the retirement of Lieutenant John Cashman at the mandatory retirement age of 65. On behalf of the Southwick Fire Department and myself, I would like to recognize John’s 15 years of dedicated service and express our appreciation for all of his hard work for the Fire Department and for the citizens of Southwick as both a firefighter and an EMT.
 

Regretfully and with our sympathy to the family, this last year saw the passing of Muriel Johnson the wife of deceased retired Chief Melbert Johnson. Muriel was always behind the scene an integral part and support for Chief Johnson and the Southwick Fire Department and she will be missed and remain in the memory of all.
 

Keeping with tradition three outstanding people were recognized at the Fire Department’s annual Christmas party. They were Fire Officer of the Year Lieutenant William Frazer, Firefighter of the Year Private Ralph (Buddy) Vecchio, and EMT of the Year Private Caroline Peterson. These awards are always a tough decision every year because there are always so many deserving people to choose from.
 

In this busy world we live in today there is always a need for fresh volunteers to be firefighters and or emergency medical technicians. Just finding volunteers is not enough, they also have to be committed and have the time to serve the community. The state requires so much mandated training and together with the fire and ambulance calls a volunteer is being asked to give around twenty hours per week as an average for community service through the Fire Department. Many potential volunteers have the desire to serve but do not have the time. Any individuals who feel they have the time, desire and commitment are welcome and encouraged to pick up an application from the Fire Department office Monday through Friday 8 AM to 4 PM. or on our web site: southwickfire.com.
 

Just for information purposes even though a firefighter receives a stipend the Federal Government has ruled that as long as that stipend does not exceed 20% of the total compensation that the employer would pay to employ a full-time firefighter it would be deemed a “nominal fee,” and therefore would not endanger a firefighter’s volunteer status.
 

We are still having a hard time locating houses especially at night. If you can’t see your house number from the road clearly at night when you know where to look then imagine how hard it is for a fire truck or ambulance driver to spot it when they don’t know where it is. The added time it takes can mean life or property may be lost. Help us to help you. There are more and more lighted type house numbers available whether with batteries, hardwired, photocells, or at least reflective so that they show up when the light strikes them. Remember that in an emergency speed in finding you is to your advantage.
 

Remember that all residences by law are supposed to have Carbon Monoxide Detectors. At least one is needed on every habitable level, and one ten feet or less from every bedroom door. Any questions contact the Fire Department office Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM.
 

The Southwick Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Board of Selectmen, Town Officials, Police Department, Department of Public Works, Emergency Telecommunication Dispatchers and especially the People of the Town of Southwick for their continued support.
 

Respectfully submitted,
 

Don W. Morris

Fire Chief
 

Summary Fire Department

 

5	Fire, Other
12	Building Fire
12	Cooking fire, confined to container
2	Chimney or flue fire, confined
5	Fuel burner/boiler malfunction
1	Trash or rubbish fire, contained
1	Fire in mobile home used as fixed residence
4	Mobile property, (vehicle) fire, other
6	Brush, or brush and grass mixture fire
4	Grass fire
2	Outside rubbish fire, other
4	Outside rubbish, trash or waste fire
1	Dumpster or other outside trash receptacle
1	Rescue, emergency medical call (EMS)
5	Medical assist, assist EMS crew
1	EMS excludes vehicle accident w/injury
15	Vehicle accident with injuries
1	Motor vehicle/pedestrian accident
7	Motor vehicle accident with no injuries
4	Extrication of victim(s) from vehicles
1	Ice Rescue
1	Rescue or EMS standby
4	Gasoline or other flammable liquid spill
3	Gas leak (natural gas or LPG)
1	Chemical spill or leak
1	Refrigeration leak
1	Carbon monoxide incident
2	Electrical wiring/equipment problem
10	Power lines down
2	Arcing, shorted electrical equipment
2	Accident, potential accident, other
5	Vehicle accident, general cleanup
	Service Call, other
3	Smoke or odor removal
1	Public service assistance, other
5	Assist police or other government agency
1	Public service
8	Assist invalid
22	Unauthorized burning
24	Good intent call, other
5	Dispatched & cancelled en route
1	Authorized controlled burning
17	Smoke scare, odor of smoke
2	False alarm or false call, other
1	Sprinkler activation due to malfunction
3	Smoke detector activation: malfunction
40	Alarm system sound: malfunction
6	CO detector activation: malfunction
9	Smoke detector activation: unintentional
33	Alarm system sounded: unintentional
3	Carbon monoxide detector: no CO
	Wind storm, tornado/hurricane assessment
1	Citizen complaint
314	Fire Calls
827	Emergency Ambulance Runs
1141	Total Response
557	Burning Permits – January 15 to May 1
340	Other Permits (Smoke Detector, Burner Inspections)