Report of the Volunteer Fire Department

2010 was the end of an era for the Southwick Fire Department as the Fire Department celebrated its’ 80th year. Chief Don Morris retired from the Fire Department after 39 years of service on the Fire Department. Chief Morris led the Department through several significant accomplishments, to include multiple apparatus purchases and the construction of the current Fire Station. Chief Morris was also the first full time Fire Chief for the Town of Southwick, as he transitioned the all volunteer Fire Department into a department with one paid full time firefighter/EMT.

During 2010 the Fire Department purchased a new Chief’s vehicle and an ambulance committee of Department members is evaluating vehicles and specifications preparing to purchase a new ambulance to replace the one that was purchased in 1995. The Department is also preparing to hire a new full time paid firefighter/EMT, the addition of which should significantly decrease response times.

As 2010 closes, Acting Chief Richard Anderson along with Acting Deputy Chief Michael Demko and their leadership team will complete the transition that Chief Morris started and ensure that the Department continues to provide the highest standards of public safety for the residents of Southwick.

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

Summary Fire Department

Members of the Southwick Fire Department

Officers:

Privates:

Fire Chief’s Secretary: Stella Durfey

Respectfully submitted,

Richard W. Anderson, Acting Fire Chief