Good and Welfare March 31, 2010

Today is a bittersweet day for Chief Palmer: it's his last day of work before retirement. Chief, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. Thank you for your service to our nation (Vietnam) and to our community. You've given more than your share of blood and sweat. After 38 years and 19 days in Willimantic, it's time for you to play golf, go fishing, attend to your health, and--of course--start the honey-do list!

Yesterday, Chief Palmer received a personal call from Congressman Courtney, wishing him the best in his retirement. Wow!

We'll post more about his career accomplishments, in the days to come.

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Time to brag about two of our firefighters:

Holly Swiney just returned from a humanitarian trip to Haiti. Rather than spend her vacation at some tropical paradise, she went to Haiti to assist in the relief effort.

Mike Bergeron recently started donating some of his time to the Mystic Aquarium, where he's serving as a diver. He'll be doing everything from cleaning tanks to interacting with tourists through the glass viewing areas (in the tanks).

Many of our members support various causes throughout the year; and, they don't brag about it...so I find out secondhand. We're quite proud of all of them.

DC

Memorial Monument

About a week ago, Captain Card called my attention to the monument in front of the firehouse. Firefighter Mott had just cleaned it with a power-washer and it looked much better with the layer of grime and mold removed (above picture).

If you're not familiar with this monument, take a look at the photo. You'll see "W.F.D. 1886" and "Mongomery." The top relief came from the original Bank Street firehouse, which was located directly across from the current station--approximately where the bank ATM drive-through is currently.

The "Mongomery" relief came from the firehouse that was located on Jackson Street--now the Major Parcel--just about across from where Union Street intersects with Jackson Street.

If you'd like to read a decent history of the Willimantic Fire Department, follow this link: http://www.millmuseum.org/Mill_Museum/Fires.html

I don't have any photo links to share with you, but we have some great historical photos on the wall of the firehouse. Ask one of the retirees to share some of their memories with you!

DC Scrivener

Fire at 47 Winter Street

The Willimantic Fire Department responded to 47 Winter Street this afternoon for a reported fire in a dryer. Engine 301 responded with Captain Card as the Officer in Charge and Captain Smat on overtime as the driver. Chief Palmer and Deputy Chief Scrivener also responded. (Both ambulances were on medical calls).

Chief Palmer arrived to find light smoke showing and established Command. Captain Card made a quick reconnaissance entry and found the basement heavily charged with smoke. Additional help was requested while the two Captains attacked the dryer fire with a pressurized water extinguisher. As help was arriving, the Deputy Chief stretched a 1 3/4" line to the basement, and it was charged--although never utilized.

Captain Card reported flames touching the ceiling of the basement as the clothes inside and on top of the dryer were burning. Ultimately, the aggressive actions of Captains Card and Smat kept the fire from extending to the structure. No injuries were incurred for civilians or firefighters; but, the house suffered minor smoke damage.

Fire at 621 Valley Street on 3/5/10

The Willimantic FD responded to an alarm activation at 621 Valley Street, on Friday March 5th, 2010, at 1500 hrs. On arrival, Acting Captain Torres reported water flow from the sprinkler system. Upon investigation, a fire was discovered in an apartment on the second floor. The fire was contained by the sprinkler system (a great testament to sprinklers), but crews needed to work quickly to minimize water and smoke damage.

Evacuated residents and their pets remained outside for an extended period while firefighters worked with Housing personnel to contain the water. Ultimately, two apartments were deemed unsuitable for inhabitation. Representatives from the Town of Windham (Housing Code Enforcement, Human Services, Fire Marshal) worked with the American Red Cross to provide assistance to residents.

U.S. Fire Administrator Recognizes Women Firefighters

The U.S. Fire Administrator issued a press release today honoring Woman's History Month, and in particular, female firefighters. You can read the release here:

http://www.usfa.dhs.gov/media/press/2010releases/030510.shtm

The Willimantic Fire Department recognizes the significant contributions of Firefighters Holly Swiney and Natalie Siebecker, and wishes them a long and prosperous career!

Activity for the Weekend of 2/26 to 2/28/10

The Willimantic Fire Department responded to 30 emergency callouts between the end of the business day on Friday (2/26) the beginning of the business day today (Monday, 3/1/10).

On Friday evening, the Department responded to the area below the Thread City Crossing (aka Frog Bridge) and removed an injured 44 year old male. Crew members utilized a stokes basket and ropes to transport the male up a steep embankment.