New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
Volunteer Fire Department responds to record number of residents’ calls for help
“It’s the most calls and the most fires in one year since the organization’s creation 96 years ago. Even though we had the challenges we had, we still responded.” Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas
ORANGE — Volunteer firefighters responded to a record 674 calls for help during 2020, a according to the the department.
The record number was announced during the Orange Volunteer Fire Department’s annual meeting, during which Fire Chief Vaughan Dumas gave the outlook for 2021.
In keeping with the times, the annual meeting was held on Zoom, rather than as part of an annual dinner meeting.
“The town is truly thankful” for the services provided by the department, First Selectman Jim Zeoli, along with talk of a new firehouse in the distant future.
A written report from Fire Marshal James Vincent addressed personnel changes, including the unexpected death of Fire Marshal Tim Smith.
“You are a progressive fire department and you’re not afraid to put in the work,” Vincent told firefighters.
Several firefighters were recognized for work they did during 2020 and two citizens were made honorary members in recognition of their work on behalf of the Fire Department, according to a release.
Orange Volunteer Fire Department Auxiliary President Jillian Gagel reported that despite the obstacles presented by 2020 and COVID-19, the group she leads would donate $2,020 to the department. Gagel also said the auxiliary would run its “Egg My Yard” fundraiser for the third year. The public can get more information about the program
by calling 203-907-9054 or emailing OVFDAuxiliary@hotmail.com.
Dumas said at the meeting that firefighters responded to a record 674 calls in 2020, including 84 fires.
“It’s the most calls and the most fires in one year since the organization’s creation 96 years ago,” Dumas said in a statement about the annual meeting. “Even though we had the challenges we had, we still responded. We answered the calls and met the challenges.”
The department typically responds to “an average of about
500 calls,” but in 2019 there were in excess of 600 calls, with a “response time of under five minutes,” according to the department website. The department’s call for service include structure fires, activated fire alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, motor vehicle accident extrication and cleanup, hazmat situations and more, according to the department.
Dumas thanked James Leahy, vice chairman of the Board of Finance, and town resident Rich Roberts for creating the 50K Fire Truck Challenge, which raised money and “awareness,” after the department had to cancel its two
biggest fundraisers, the annual carnival and boot drive.
“Their efforts did so much more than provide us with a fund-raising solution,” Dumas said in the statement. “We created such an awareness in the community that we’re here and we do all this for free. It would be very challenging for anyone to say they didn’t know we had a volunteer fire department.”
The department in 2020 also established a Junior Firefighters program for people 16 to 18 years old.
Dumas also noted plans to return to in-person training now that many firefighters have been vaccinated against COVID-19.
The department also is beginning to plan for its 100th anniversary in 2025.
“I want to continue make the department progressive with new technology and new techniques,” Dumas said in the statement.
“But I’m not going to forget where we came from.”
He announced an effort to gather the history of the department and honor its older members.
Dumas also honored firefighter and town Assistant Treasurer Art Williams for 45 years of service and firefighter George Geane for 25 years. Leahy and Roberts were made honorary members.
Lt. Eric Demeraski, Lt. Mitch Volta and firefighters Noah Clark, Christian Haupt, Drew Panapada and Dave Gagel were awarded a unit citation for their actions at a fire on Ridgeview Road last March. Their fire engine was first on the scene.
“The fire was challenging and hard to find,” Dumas said. “Had it not been for the swift action of those members, we would not have had the positive outcome we had.”
Firefighter Jesse Bartha was recognized for his actions at a fire on Chippendale Road in July. On arrival, firefighters could smell smoke, but had to search for the fire. Bartha, using a water can, located the fire and knocked it down.
Firefighter Leo Moran was awarded for constant promotion of goodwill in the department and Firefighter John Hudson was recognized as firefighter of the year.