A Salute to Firefighters

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A SPECIAL SECTION IN THE ADDISON COUNTY INDEPENDENT, AUG. 11, 2016

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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

Inside: Addison Fire Department.................................................. 3 Brandon Fire Department................................................. 4 Bridport Fire Department.................................................. 6 Bristol Fire Department................................................... 13 Cornwall Fire Department................................................. 6 Ferrisburgh Fire Department............................................. 7 Firefighters clean up hazardous materials......................... 8 Granville Fire Department................................................. 9 Hancock Fire Department................................................. 9 Lincoln Fire Department.................................................. 10 Middlebury Fire Department.......................................... 17 Monkton Fire Department.............................................. 15 New Haven Fire Department........................................... 18 Orwell Fire Department.................................................. 19 Ripton Fire Department.................................................. 19 Salisbury Fire Department............................................... 20 Selleck tapped as Chief Officer of Year.............................. 8 Shoreham Fire Department............................................. 20 Speedy response requires long preparation...................... 2 Starksboro Fire Department............................................ 21 Sweet new fire truck arrives in Ferrisburgh....................... 5 Vergennes Fire Department............................................ 22 Weybridge Fire Department............................................ 23 What do you get in a brand new firehouse..................... 11 Whiting Fire Department................................................ 23

On the cover: Bristol firefighters, backed up by the New Haven, Middlebury and Monkton fire departments, battle a blaze at an unoccupied Route 116 home back in 2011.

Photo courtesy of Mark Bouvier

Learning & preparation needed to keep response times short

By ELLIE REINHARDT In 1982 when Middlebury’s Shaw first ADDISON COUNTY — In less than completed the program, it had just been five minutes, members of the Middlebury boosted from 38 hours to 40.

Volunteer Fire Department will answer a call, “To get the same amount of training that throw on their heavy gear, pile into their fleet those guys get in eight months took me of trucks, switch on the siren and head out for five years,” he said. “From a perspective of their mission. exposure it’s a much better program.”

“We have a joke,” said Middlebury Once the program is complete, Addison Department Chief David Shaw. “If we’re not County firefighters are required to maintain at out of here in five minutes, we’re not coming.” least 24 hours additional training each year, The Vergennes Fire a number that is often exceeded, Department firefighters pride “Firefighting isn’t according to Breur. Specialized themselves on the time they programs in services such as arrived at Basin Harbor Club in just fighting fires water rescue can also supplement seven minutes, a trip that usually anymore. We’re the basic training. takes about 20 minutes.

“Some people have a whole an emergency As any firefighter will say, pile of things,” Breur said. “They response crew so get very well rounded.” responding to a fire requires speed and preparation. But we have to train Before members complete the preparing to be a firefighter is no for just about Firefighter 1 program, they can speedy process. volunteer with the department as anything.”

Firefighters in Addison County a cadet, from ages 16 to 18, and — Vergennes Fire train for 200 hours before then in a probationary position Department they’re allowed to become full once they’re older than 18. These Chief Jim Breur department members. These 200 volunteers are distinguished by hours are part of the Firefighter 1 a certain insignia or color — in program that runs out of Middlebury’s station Middlebury it’s a blue helmet for cadets and on 5 Seymour Street. a symbol on the helmet for probationary The program runs from September through members.

May and over these eight months students Although an important business, many learn more than firefighting skills. departments are struggling to recruit new “Firefighting isn’t just fighting fires volunteers. According to Shaw, as little as anymore,” said Vergennes Fire Department five years ago the Firefighter 1 program had Chief Jim Breur. “We’re an emergency to deny additional students once they enrolled response crew so we have to train for just 40. This past year, the program only graduated (See Response time, Page 8) about anything.”

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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 3

Addison Volunteer Fire Department

Roster Chase Atkins John Baker Jamison Bannister Rob Barrows Adam Berno Larry Blacklock Paul Callicott Devon Campbell

Bradley Clark Erwin Clark Kyle Clark Corey Collette Art Danyow II Bernard Dubois Deven Dubois Jordan Fleming

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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

Brandon Fire Dept. and Dunmore Hose Company

Roster Nick Audet Jake Bertrand Nate Bertrand Scott Bertrand Jesse Bilodeau Steve Bilodeau Roger Bougor Linwood Bovey Robert Cook

Justin Cram Nate Cram, 2nd Lt. Jon Delgado Dave Dushaney Ron Euber, Asst. Chief Rob Fales Harry L. Hunt Harry E. Hunt Riley Kenney

Bryan Kilpeck Eric LaRock, Captain Mike Markowski Jason Martin Jordan Martin Gene Pagano Dennis Reisenweaver Cheyenne Reed Charles Rivers

Scott Trask, Deputy Chief Roman Wdowiak, Chief Jon Wyman, 1st Lt. Kyle Hutchins, Secretary/Treasurer, Dunmore Hose Company Mike Jensen, Vice President, Dunmore Hose Company Tom Kilpeck, President, Dunmore Hose Company

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 5

Ferrisburgh’s new rig outfitted to get the job done Family foundation helps pay pumper’s price tag

By ANDY KIRKALDY FERRISBURGH — The Ferrisburgh Volunteer Fire Department last month took delivery of a new pumper fire truck that is making a tremendous difference in how efficiently and safely department firefighters can deal with fires and other incidents, according to Fire Chief Bill Wager.

“It’s a big step forward,” Wager said. “The truck was designed primarily for safety and enhanced service, and our ability to provide more services from the same vehicle.”

The truck set the town of Ferrisburgh back $397,000, plus about $60,000 in related equipment and fix-up costs.

Actually, the burden was lighter, thanks to a $100,000 from the Hoehl Family Foundation, which has a principal who lives in Ferrisburgh.

“They’re very nice people, and they’ve helped us out with some donations over the years, and they stepped up and gave us a significant donation toward the truck,” Wager said.

The department applied $50,000 of the gift toward the down payment, which was added to $120,000 the department had set aside in recent years for the purchase. The balance will be paid off at $30,000 a year.

“The truck is almost half paid for already,” Wager said.

Wager said last “It’s a big year the department step forward. also saved money The truck from the truck’s list price by working was designed with a financing firm primarily for that is technically safety and calling the purchase enhanced a lease. The finance service, and our company paid the during ability to provide manufacturer the building process more services instead of waiting for the truck to be from the same finished, Wager said, vehicle.”

— Chief Bill Wager for example reimbursing the manufacturer for the chassis when that component was completed.

The Hoehl donation covered most of the equipment and fit-up costs, which were originally pegged at $100,000. Wager said the department carefully considered ways to keep those expenses down, such as by buying refurbished air packs instead of new ones.

The department was happy to be able to keep costs down for taxpayers, and Wager said

FERRISBURGH FIRE CHIEF Bill Wager is justifiably proud of the department’s new $450,000 fire truck, which features lots of safety and efficiency features that the old truck didn’t have, plus it can pump 15,000 gallons of water per minute.

Independent photo/Evan Johnson

selectboard members are also happy.

“I think they are pleased how we were able to pull this together. We stayed on or below budget,” he said.

The new rig replaces a truck that is almost 24 years old, is becoming unreliable, and can carry, at most, three firefighters. When the department members are trained and the last of the equipment is installed sometime this month, the new truck will bring up to a halfdozen responders to calls.

“Three was tight. Two was normal. But we’ll be able to comfortably and safely carry six firefighters,” Wager said.

And when they arrive, the truck will allow them to operate more efficiently.

“They’ll be able to hop out of the truck geared up,” Wager said. “Two, the truck is built around ergonomics. All the ladders, the suction tubes and everything, are at a stan-

dard firefighter’s working height so we don’t have to climb on top of the truck or do any awkward lifting to get anything off the truck.”

Also, the truck has cabinets that are dedicated to different specialties for different incidents, with all the necessary tools laid out and easily found, he said, while the pumping capacity (15,000 gallons of water per minute) and payload (1,250 gallons) are both superior to the old truck. The new truck also offers a foam-spraying system with a 25-gallon tank.

“It just helps firefighters do their jobs more effectively,” Wager said.

And more safely: The truck has airbags, anti-lock brakes and built-in rollover protection for its passengers, plus, Wager said, it has been tested to be safe from rolling over.

“As a chief and a resident,” Wager said, it gives him peace of mind to know. “We’ve got firefighters responding in a truck that has air-

bags and enhanced safety.”

He summed up the difference between the old and new trucks’ capabilities. “(The old truck) has been serviceable for the last couple decades, but I think this is going to be a major turning point for our ability to be more efficient and help the firefighters do their job,” Wager said.

And he offered one more plus — durability.

“The truck was engineered for extended service and low operating costs, with a stainless steel body, a galvanized steel frame. All the plumbing is stainless steel, with a lifetime tank. It’s designed to last a long time. It will definitely last the town a quarter century of more,” he said. “The department is very proud of it.”

Andy Kirkaldy may be reached at andyk@ addisonindependent.com.

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PAGE 6 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

Bridport Fire Department Roster Clifford E. Huestis, Chief Chris Gordon, Assistant Chief Patrick Clohessy, 2nd Assistant Chief Ernest Audet Missy Audet Tyler Audet Mike Barrett Keith Betourney Tony Boulanger Richard Coursey Dean DeGray Amanda Doughty Eric Huestis Morgan Huestis Kate Ingwersen Michael Lawton Morgan Lily Doug Maclachian Bruce Stocker Rayne Plante Dan Thomas Corey Pratt Philip Wagner

Charles Welch Jr. Auxiliary members Michael Carter

Therren Leggett Life members Richard Lilly

Jean Noel Plouffe Carl D. Norton Edgar Crosby Jr.

Joseph DeGray Dexter Oliver

Cornwall Fire Department

Roster Denny Rheaume, Chief Dave Berno, Asst. Chief Sean Stearns, Asst. Chief Norm Grenier, Asst. Chief Ken Manchester, Officer

Raph Worrick, Officer Lisa Northup, Officer Lew Castle, Officer Luke Jerome Angela McCluskey

Ed Peet Vaughan Berno Tommy Frankovic Chris Dayton Dave Guertin

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Gail Isenberg, Medical responder Rich Isenberg, Medical responder Haley Davis, Medical responder

We would like to sincerely thank all of our dedicated and courageous firefighters!

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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 7

Ferrisburgh Fire Department

Roster Mark Chaffee, Dep. Chief Mike Coyle, Asst. Chief Ken Lemner, Capt.

Peter McNichol, Capt.

Shane Coyle, Capt.

Ryan Cushing, Lt. Mason Jackman, Training Officer Jeff Vigne, President Dave Grippin, Treasurer Les Fuller, Secretary

Jim Averill Carlos Basille Kyle Bradley Adam Bunde Art Cohn – Chaplin Adam Deslile Michael Dykstra Rick Loyer Trevor Patterson Anthony Porter

Roger Richmond Diane Shortsleeve Justin Soter Adam Terry Jonathon Wieman Rick White Seth Fisher, Probationary Firefighter Dan Hawkins, Prob. Firefighter Joe Jerger, Prob. Firefighter

Shane Lawrence, Prob. Firefighter Kevin Lees, Prob. Firefighter Deighlin Lynes, Prob. Firefighter Philip Armell, Sr. Cadet Schuyler Coyle, Sr. Cadet Tucker Dike, Sr. Cadet Tyler Shortsleeve, Sr. Cadet Rebecca Unger, Sr. Cadet

Tony Caruso, Life Member Mike Donnelly, Life Member George Gardner, Life Member Paul Hoffman, Chaplin, Life Member Bob Jenkins, Retired Chief, Life Member Mike Jerry, Life Member George Marcotte, Life Member Jon Soter, Life Member

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A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

Third-generation firefighter earned Chief Officer of the Year

By CHARMAINE LAM away, much of Selleck’s day-to-day work MIDDLEBURY — It takes a special involves the behind-the-scenes duties at the kind of person to volunteer for a job that fire department. entails dragging themselves out of bed He takes care of administrative duties, and into a snowstorm in the middle of the makes identification tags for his fellow night because someone’s fire alarm went firefighters, programs the secure access to off. Although being able to help those in the fire department building and hosts fire need is the main draw for many fledgling prevention and safety talks at businesses firefighters, the realities of firefighting also around town. He also mans the department’s involve extensive training, unpredictable emergency line. hours and, especially for the leaders “Most of the time it’s just a false alarm or of fire departments, the mundanity of someone calling the wrong number,” Selleck administrative tasks. said with a laugh. “Even the emergency line Myron Selleck, assistant chief of the gets telemarketing phone calls.”

Middlebury Fire Department has been a Because the department is all volunteer, all volunteer firefighter since joining in 1980. members of the department hold additional He is a dedicated firefighter and devotes jobs. These different schedules often make his time to the Middlebury community. it difficult to have all the members in the This year, the Addison County Firefighters same place at the same time, and when the Association honored him as Chief Officer chief isn’t around, Selleck, as second in of the Year. command, takes over.

The Middlebury Fire Department holds “Redundancy (in leadership positions) an important place in is certainly absolutely Selleck’s heart. He necessary,” he said. is a third-generation “No one person can firefighter, and for be in charge all the him, the department is time because we’re all family. volunteers.”

“Both my Selleck and the grandfather and my firefighters at the father were members Middlebury Fire of the Middlebury Fire Department have Department before me. devoted their free I currently also have a time to helping the son that’s a lieutenant community. here at Middlebury, so “We respond to the it’s kind of a family needs of the community thing,” he said. “It’s whenever they call,” something that I’ve he said. “Where else wanted to do since I can you make a phone was a little boy.” call and get up to 20 or Although the 30 people to help you volunteer turnover at with one phone call? the fire department is So they call the fire MYRON SELLECK approximately seven department.” years, Selleck has been an integral part of The firefighters’ hard work does not go the Middlebury Fire Department for 36 unrecognized. Anywhere Selleck goes, years. Even though firefighters do come and he is acknowledged and accepted by the go, some of his closest friends are within community, whether by the license plate the 30 or so members at the department. It’s on his truck or by the shirt that shows a very strong community, and according to that he is a firefighter. The warmth of the Selleck, the brotherhood at the department community constitutes one of Selleck’s makes it special. most memorable experiences of being a “I think what helps maintain the firefighter. camaraderie and community is the guys Selleck is thankful for the community’s who have been around for 30-plus years,” appreciation of their work and the Selleck said. “Once in a while, you’ll get a strong community he has found within firefighter that comes along and you can tell the Middlebury Fire Department. He early on they’re going to be here for the long doesn’t plan on putting his time at the fire haul. They’ve got the whole deal: I grew up department to an end anytime soon and in this community, and I want to help my will continue to serve the community as a community. It takes a special person.” firefighter.

Selleck is one these special people. As “It’s an honor not only to be recognized assistant chief in Middlebury, Selleck takes by my peers within the department and the his place as second in command to the chief county, but just to be a part of this group, to of the department. While he takes over be a part of the fire service,” said Selleck. the chain of command when the chief is Photo courtesy of Mark Bouvier.

BRISTOL FIRE CHIEF Brett LaRose shows what his firefighters look like when outfitted in protective gear when responding to a hazardous materials spill.

Independent photo/Sam Hartley

Firefighters look beyond flames

Departments deal with all sorts of hazardous materials

By SAM HARTLEY ADDISON COUNTY — The modern world is filled with technological and scientific advancements that make our lives easier, but the way we live now also can present some underlying dangers. We make use of potentially hazardous materials in just about every aspect of modern life. These materials are taken for granted when everything is operating smoothly, but when things go wrong we rely on trained specialists who are able to deal with these extremely dangerous products.

The first line of defense is your local fire department.

The stereotype of a hazardous materials incident may be a wrecked tanker leaking some kind of dangerous chemical product, but the reality is that hazardous materials are often much, much closer to home — literally.

“Maybe you’re a contractor. Maybe you have acids stored on your property for cleaning purposes. Maybe you’ve got to clean concrete as part of your job, you’re in the concrete business. It’s amazing the hazardous materials you’ll find in your own home,” said Bristol Fire Chief Brett LaRose.

Even your everyday cleaning products are hazardous materials and can create very serious health problems as soon as they are improperly removed from the appropriate container.

Fire departments respond to all sorts of motor vehicle crashes, in most cases not to extinguish fires or extract people from half-crushed cars, but to clean up spilled liquids.

In practice, the stereotypical situation of the wrecked tanker is actually less dangerous than one might expect precisely because transportation of hazardous materials at that scale has to be reported and the tanker itself must be placarded with vital information about the on-board materials.

The real danger often comes from mixedload transports that haven’t crossed the content threshold for reporting what sorts of hazardous materials they’re carrying on-board. This means that the firefighters responding to the

incident are going in without much information and have to rely upon their training to determine how to proceed.

“One of the first resources at our disposal as responders is the Emergency Response Guidebook,” said LaRose. “We need it every time we go to a hazardous materials incident. It tells us what we’re dealing with and gives us our initial guidelines and steps to take.”

Of course, spills or leaks of hazardous materials can often become more than the local fire departments are equipped to handle alone.

That’s why they work in concert with state authorities to respond to hazardous materials incidents, according to Todd Cosgrove, chief of the Vermont Hazardous Materials Response Team, or VHMRT. “The VHMRT was created in 1994 to assist all fire departments in Vermont with managing hazardous materials incidents,” said Cosgrove.

“The purpose for the team’s creation was and remains to work with the fire chiefs before, during and after hazardous materials events in their municipalities,” he continued. “By having VHMRT technicians located across the entire state supported with three VHMRT response vehicles, the VHMRT endeavors to have highly trained and equipped personnel on scene quickly when requested by the incident commander.”

Hazardous materials incidents can be incredibly dangerous to the public, but also to the firefighters tasked with responding to them.

“This is where our training comes into play,” said LaRose. “We have to make very difficult decisions sometimes. If we just go running in with no protective gear on, we’ve just made the situation worse. We’re no good to anybody if we can’t perform our duties.”

“One of the first things they teach you when you go to your Firefighter 1 class is protect life, property and the environment, in that order, obviously,” said LaRose. “You’ve got to protect yourself first and foremost with your protective equipment. We want to protect people’s property from any harmful exposures. Then, of course, we want to protect the environment.”

When they’re not responding to calls, firefighters might be found in the station helping maintain equipment, receiving extra training or preparing for the next call. Rarely do they have time to just hang out, said Shaw.

As chief, Shaw spends about 25 hours per week in the station, and most volunteers are

there for a few hours throughout the week.

And while the job is rewarding, it’s a time commitment for anyone.

“If I wasn’t there, I would be at home with my family,” said Breur, a 38-year department veteran. “I’m never around on birthdays or holidays, we always get called out.”

Response time (Continued from Page 2) 12 students.

But while volunteer numbers dwindle, the number of calls is rising rapidly.

In Middlebury last year the station responded to 250 calls for service, a number that has been steadily increasing over the past

four years.

In Vergennes, the average number of calls per year sits at 167, only about nine of which are structure fires.

“It’s because there are more buildings, more alarms, more automation, more people during the day,” said Shaw.

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 9

Granville Fire Department

Roster Chief Dan Sargeant, EMR & FF I Asst. Chief Brian Sargeant 2nd Asst. Chief Dave Winborn, EMT Capt. Greg Millard, EMR Lt. Kira Leonard Wesley Sargeant, Firefighter

Lyndsay Sargeant, Firefighter Luke McSweeney, Firefighter Ben Smith, Firefighter Nancy Shaw, EMT Nancy Needham, Emergency Medical Responder Nathan Reinhold, Emergency Medical Responder

Nick Beattie, Cadet Firefighter Brandon Stone, Cadet Firefighter Brianna Roussell, Cadet Firefighter Bill Parrish, Auxiliary Member James Parrish, Auxiliary Member Tami Beattie, Auxiliary Member

Hancock Fire Department

Roster Jacques Veilleux, Chief Renee Veilleux, Secretary Ricky Andrews, 1st Assistant Rob Deering, 2nd Assistant Jon Deering, Captain

Ryan Veilleux Tim Brown Charlie Smith Joe Shaw Chet Baxter

Scott Twitchell Andrew Bordonaro Teddy Smith Thomas Veilleux Ken Troumbley

Jaro Perera Brennan Bordonaro Kevin Hewitt Garrette Troumbley

PAGE 10 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

Lincoln Fire Department

Roster Steve Atocha Jesse Bashaw Jeff Cousino Alan Kamman Dan Ober, Chief Aaron Thomas Jacob Thomas

Andrew Cousino Matt Atkins, First Asst. Chief Randy Barnes Scott Bernoudy David Harrison Mary Harrison Jake Peirce

Eleanor Scully Josh Otey Dave Wood Ben Wyatt Myles McGowen Grady Brokaw Matt Brown

Don Gale Dudley Leavitt, Second Asst. Chief Delaynah Leavitt Adam Thomas Nate Perry Jacob Orvis Lea Caulderon-Guthe

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THE BRISTOL FIRE Department moved into its new $3 million firehouse on West Street early last month after a decade looking for an alternative to its 1897 firehouse on North Street. The firehouse is completely operational, and the bell tower doubles as a training tower for firefighters.

Independent photos/Trent Campbell

Bristol’s firehouse fills the bill for 21st century New structure gives firefighters efficiency, safety and speed

By ANDY KIRKALDY BRISTOL — An effort of more than a decade paid off over the weekend of July 2 and 3, when members of the Bristol Fire Department began moving trucks, equipment and files into their new, roughly 11,000-squarefoot West Street fire station.

Bristol Fire Chief Brett LaRose said the station, budgeted at $3.19 million — in“The No. 1 cluding 9 acres of land, most of which benefit is certainly being will be sold — was fully operational in under one roof. mid-July, if not fully I can’t even tell organized.

“We’re able to operyou how much ate out of it and pereasier it is to form our duties as firemanage our fire fighters,” said LaRose. department.”

“But are we settled and — Bristol Fire Chief moved in completely?

Brett LaRose Far from it. A lot of boxes. You know how moving goes.”

But those boxes are not preventing firefighters from doing their jobs.

“We’re able to provide services to the community at full capacity. Our trucks are there.

They’re operational. Our turnout gear is hanging in the lockers. Our radios, our communications gear, phones, everything is up,” LaRose said. “And last night, we actually had our first business meeting there.”

As excited as LaRose and the department members were about being able — about a

year after Bristol residents approved spending $3.19 million on the project — to move into the station on July 2 and 3, that weekend was also a sad one.

On July 3, honorary assistant chief Darwin

Kimball died at age 60 after a brief illness. He had served the department since 1981. The station hosted calling hours the beginning last month, and department members helped plan a firefighter’s funeral. And while the town

A SMALL SIDE garage attached to the new Bristol firehouse has space for the department’s antique equipment, including this vintage fire truck that can be seen in local parades.

celebrated Independence Day, black bunting hung from the station, and its flag flew at halfmast.

That business meeting was also bittersweet, LaRose said.

“When that bond vote passed on July 7, 2015, it was something else,” he said. “And last night when I got to address the department in the new fire station, plus at the same time acknowledging Darwin’s passing, it was just an emotional night for a lot of people.”

That meeting room is just one of the station’s many features that will offer greater efficiency, LaRose said, but the single greatest benefit is it is large enough to hold all the department’s functions and equipment.

The department has been working out of three buildings for decades, and for the past 18 months out of four, meeting monthly in the Bristol American Legion Post.

“The No. 1 benefit is certainly being under one roof,” LaRose said. “I can’t even tell you how much easier it is to manage our fire department.”

No longer will there be running around to find needed equipment or information, or the need to make decisions and then send personnel to go after trucks and equipment in emergency situations.

“We had trucks parked in multiple geographic locations, which was always a challenge responding to emergencies. Who is getting what? What type of call is it? Depending on what type of call you have to go get this truck,” LaRose said. “That was al(See Firehouse, Page 12)

PAGE 12 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

THE NEW BRISTOL firehouse features many elements designed to improve efficiency, such as a drive-through truck bay that allows firefighters to pull the truck in face first, then pull forward when exiting the garage.

Independent photo/Trent Campbell

Firehouse (Continued from Page 11) ways a challenge.”

The new station also offers for the first time separate office spaces, a conference room to let department committees meet, showers to let firefighters remove grime — or worse — before they get home, and laundry facilities that LaRose said are actually a safety feature.

“Everything about this building is efficient.

It’s safe,” he said. “It provides for the safety of the firefighter and ultimately for the safety of the firefighter’s family, because now we can leave our dirty, carcinogen-covered turnout

gear at the fire station. We have a washing extractor to clean it.”

Having everything centralized also means firefighters will be able to handle maintenance and other routine tasks more quickly and efficiently.

“They give so much time, so I’m always thinking what can I do to lessen their time doing other things that don’t provide service to the community,” LaRose said.

Even with the construction portion of the cost coming in, as of June 30, about $146,000 under budget, the station is not cheap. Town

officials calculated the project would add about $80 per $100,000 of assessed value to property tax bills.

LaRose said the department will hold an open house, probably in the early fall, after those moving boxes have been emptied and recycled. But he hopes an open house won’t be the end of the department’s community interaction: He believes the department’s “transparency” helped it win support for the station, and said area residents will be welcome.

“It’s a public facility. Taxpayers paid for

this. I want families to stop by. I want young children to come in and take a look and play on the fire trucks,” LaRose said.

Above all, the town’s fire chief would like its residents to know how grateful the department is for their backing.

“The town just made a significant investment. I can’t stress that enough. At the same time, I can’t say thank you enough for what the taxpayers of Bristol did for their fire department,” LaRose said. “Without transparency and without their support, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Thank You to Our Local Fire Fighters For Your Dedication and Service!

Friendly local service at competitive rates

HOME BUSINESS AUTO BOAT

“We are very proud of our firefighters, Kevin and Brett!”

Land Surveying, Topographic Surveying, Land Planning, Septic Design and State & Local Permitting “We will assist you through the permitting process.”

453-6600

35 West St., Bristol VT

From Andrea, Bill and John

Serving Vermonters for 109 years

www.paigeandcampbell.com

25 West St. • PO Box 388 • Bristol, VT 05443 Telephone: 802-453-3818 • Fax: 802-329-2138 • www.larosesurveys.com

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 13

Bristol Fire Department

Roster George Smith, historian Edward Shepard Mark Bouvier J. Peter Coffey Darwin Kimball* Bill Elwell Peter Bouvier Joel Bouvier James Robideau

John Heffernan Peter J. Ryan Jim Whitcomb Terry Farr Kevin LaRose, 2nd asst. chief J. Brett LaRose, chief Matthew Lathrop, lieut.

Brian W. Wendel Lance Perlee

D. Chad Perlee Nathan Bouvier Amos Martin, capt.

Chris Griggs Eric Forand, 1st asst. chief Justin Jackman Karen Moore Jarrett Kimball James Goodyear

THANKS TO ALL OUR LOCAL VOLUNTEER FIRE FIGHTERS! And deepest appreciation to the Bristol Fire Department - You always do a GREAT JOB! The prices you want with the service you can’t put a price on!

Carl Gile Cody Cyr Kris Perlee Ryan Denecker Dan McDurfee Alex Bishop Nick Ouellette Will Elwell Stephen Martin

Frozen Fish • Local Meats & Cheeses • Misty Knoll Poultry Maple Meadow Eggs • American Flatbread

Addison County’s Biggest Beverage Store GREAT DEALS ON WINE

BY THE CASE! 10% OFF 6-BOTTLE PURCHASES! MIX AND MATCH CASES – 15% OFF

Gift Certificates Available We now accept EBT cards

Open Monday - Saturday 9am - 7pm • Sunday 10am-4pm Redemption Closes 1 Hour Prior

21 Prince Lane • Bristol • 453-3990

*In Memoriam, passed away July 3, 2016

Thank you to all of our

Addison County Firefighters for your dedication and commitment to making our community a safer place to live.

Kegs • Bubbly • Mixers Ice • Snacks Propane Fill & Exchange

Enjoy Locally Sourced and Sustainable Foods:

Brian C. Wendel Steve Devino Matthew Babcock Anthony Robideau, cadet Victor Hinojosa, cadet Delaynah Leavitt, cadet Peter Foley, cadet Lane Fox, cadet

www.midvthomes.com Bonnie Gridley 802-349-8646

Kristine Kimball 802-349-7505

PAGE 14 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

FIRE DEPARTMENT T O W N O F B R I S T O L VT

The Town of Bristol would like to thank its residents for supporting the new fire station.

There will be an open house this fall to show off the new facility.

Department & All F ristol Fire irefg B o t hte s k n rs a h T For Keeping ALL of Our Loved Ones Safe And a happy wag to our friend Peeker Heffernan

Dr. Julie Moenter & Dr. Betsy Meinhardt 167 Monkton Road, Bristol • 802-453-2191 HinesburghBristolVet.com

Thank you to the

Bristol Fire Department

FOR ALL YOUR PLUMBING, HEATING & FUEL NEEDS HEATING SYSTEM INSPECTIONS & MAINTENANCE FREE QUOTES & ENERGY EFFICIENCY ADVICE DEPENDABLE DELIVERY & 24-HOUR EMERGENCY SERVICE

Thank You to All Firefighters for Your Dedication & Team Work

for their years of service to our Community.

Make sure your heating system is safe and ready for winter.

Call today to schedule an appointment to have it cleaned, serviced and inspected.

We can also fix your leaky faucets – call us today!

32 Pine Street • Bristol, VT 05443 For information on all your energy needs, please call us at:

802-453-2381 or www.JackmansInc.com

PLUMBING & HEATING

802-453-2325

FUEL DELIVERY

802-388-4975

125 Monkton Road Bristol, VT cvplumbingheating.com

185 Exchange St. Middlebury, VT champlainvalleyfuels.com

PLUMBING • WATER SYSTEMS HEATING • AIR CONDITIONING

BIO-DIESEL • K1 KEROSENE FUEL OIL • GASOLINE • HEATING OIL

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 15

Monkton Fire Department

Roster John Brace Steele Jeremy Southwell Jeremy Buck Bennett Greg Cota, Captain Matt DuPont, Lieutenant Rick Gomez, Captain Gene Hall Adrian Hicks Robert Howard, Chief 3 Charlie Huizenga Bill Joos Buzz Kuhns David Layn, Chief 1 Curtis Layn, Chief 2 Paul Meader Mike New George Roy Bill Van Steamburg

THANK YOU! To all of the Addison County Firefighters for your continued service for our safety.

Thank you to all Addison County Firefighters and rescue workers.

Addison County’s Oldest Locally Owned & Operated Tire Shop

33 SEYMOUR STREET, MIDDLEBURY - 388-7620 www.countytirecenter.com

33 Seymour Street • Middlebury, VT • 388-7620 countytirecenter.com

Wifi while you wait.

REED’S EQUIPMENT • Monroe Shocks & Struts • Walker Exhaust • Brake Service • Tires ~ Uniroyal ~ General ~ Nokian

Our appreciation goes out to all Addison County Firefighters!

137 Jersey Street South, Addison, VT • 759-2562

L-R: Butch, Matt; A.S.E. Certified, Brian

For All your automotive needs - Foreign & Domestic!

4087 State Prison Hollow Road, Monkton Ridge, VT • 453-3562

HOURS: Monday - F

A special thanks to the dedicated Vermont State Firefighters.

COUNTY TIRE CENTER

IN LOVING MEMORY OF DARWIN KIMBALL

67 Years of Combined Knowledge and Experience!

PAGE 16 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

THE TOWN OF MIDDLEBURY SALUTES ITS DEDICATED VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTERS.

THANK YOU ALL FOR THE COMMITMENT YOU SHOW AND THE SERVICE YOU PROVIDE US! WWW.TOWNOFMIDDLEBURY.ORG

Congratulations to firefighter of the year, Ronald “Bugger” Warner!

We Thank All of Our Addison County Fire Fighters

16 Creek Road, Middlebury • 388-6054 • Mon. - Fri. 7:30 - 5:30, Sat. 8:00 - 3:00 www.countrysidecarpetandpaint.com

Thank you to all our area Firefighters for your dedication and service to our communities.

Sanderson Ducharme Funeral Service Locally Owned and Operated 117 S. Main St., Middlebury, VT 388-2311

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 17

Middlebury Fire Department

Roster Jesse Angier Michael Bougor Alex Browne David Broughton Jeff Carpenter Bob Carter Dan Ciofreddi Raluca ‘Luly’ Cristea Rick Cole Moe Cook Jack Delano Ron Dragon Nicholas Frazier Shawn Frost Kirk Gallipo Paul Garrow Randy Garrow Leroy Graham

Blake Harrison Brian Hayes Laurent Lussier Nick Lovejoy Ana MacLeod Donnie Mason Mike Mayone Donald Patterson Tim Porter Myron Selleck Scott Selleck David Shaw Pat Shaw Keegan Sullivan Larry Volkert Ron Warner Oliver Wijayapala Skip Patterson

Call Jenni

at 802-989-7501

to schedule a tour

The Adult Living Community of Choice Middlebury's premier non-profit senior living community Conveniently located just beyond Porter Medical Campus INDEPENDENT LIVING . RESIDENTIAL CARE . MEMORY CARE

100 EASTVIEW TERRACE, MIDDLEBURY, VERMONT

802-989-7500 · EastViewMiddlebury.com

PAGE 18 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

New Haven Fire Department

Roster Andrew Baurer Jon Boise Tim Bouton Bobby Brown Curt Cyr

Ray Daniels Jim Ford Jacob Giles Dean Gilmore Marcel Kimball

Stephen Kimball Haley Lauziere Mark Livingston Phil Livingston, Jr. Phil Livingston, Sr.

Chief Alan Mayer Danielle Morse Aaron Napolean John Palmer Mike Poirier

Dick Sawyer Ethan Sawyer Kate Sawyer Anna Jo Smith Logan Smith

Thank You to all Addison County Firefighters.

Two great companies working together to serve your needs!

Our combined knowledge and expertise can offer you the following: • Technical Sales Consultants • Calf & Heifer Programs • Farm Audits • Nutrient Management Representatives • Political Involvement

www.FeedCommodities.com for current maketing information 800-639-3191 FCI Mill Locations: Middlebury, Vergennes & Newport, VT Bernardston, MA • Detroit, ME • Malone, NY

www.BourdeauBros.com for a complete list of services 800-639-7051 BBI Store Locations: Middlebury & Sheldon, Vermont Champlain, New York

Let us know if we can tailor a program to fit your needs.

For more info. please call:

Seth Chapell 802-461-5352

Moe Quenneville 802-922-1338

Brady Wolff 802-349-8705

Greg Weber 518-570-9458

Bob Grim 802-363-7539

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 19

Orwell Fire Department

Roster Allen M. Alger, Chief Allen R. Alger, 1st Assist. Chief Dan Gosselin, 2nd Assist.

Chief/Trustee Mark Gebo, Captain

Bob Laduc Peter Ochs Daryl Gebo Susan Hauck Jim Dougherty

Bob Arnebold John Wist Louis Hall Sandy Korda Wesley Orr

Paul Metcalf Ben Alger Roger Young Charles Laduc Dave Carpenter, Chairman

Chris Roy Jim Booska Rebeca Heibler Sean Seguin

Ripton Fire Department

Roster Ceredwyn Alexander Gwynneth Alexander Justin Allen Jake Codding

Ross Elliott Erik Eriksen Dorothy Gelinas Erica Godin

Jay Harrington Alison Joseph Marty Kulczyk Will Mathis

Sophie McKibben Mark Nelson Reid Peck Chris Pike

PAGE 20 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

Salisbury Fire Department

Roster Gary Smith Foster Provencher Mark Foster Mike Dennis Dean Mandigo

Jared Bourdeau John Capen Ryan Emilio Devin Dwire John Hughes

Marc Muth Jim Provencher John Nuceder Justin Allen Sean Sullivan

Tom Sullivan Donnie Sweet Trey Duncanson

Shoreham Fire Department

Roster Jeff Treadway, Chief Jim Ortuno, 1st Assist. Chief Dick Treadway, 2nd Assist. chief Jason Paquette, 1st Captain Larry Wanamaker, 2nd Captain Kurtis Prouty, 1st Lieutenant Tim Steady, 2nd Lieutenant Bob Warren

Rick Canfield Percy Prouty Chris Sterns Bill Bishop Phil Teer Paige Cummings Dwayne Christian Brent Lafountain

Cadets Jon Jerome Jonathan Alger Ryan Fredette June Prouty, Safety Officer

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 21

Starksboro Fire Department

Roster Chief Tom Estey Asst. Chief Tony Porter Asst. Chief Matt Estey Capt. Eric Cota Capt. Hugh Johnson, Lt. Mitch Horner and Safety Officer Norman Cota

T

Leslie Rublee, Charter member Retired Asst. Chief Roger Thibault, Charter member Tom Adams Justin Bartlett David Bedard Dennis Casey Greg Cousino

OTT salutes the dedicated men and women who are ALWAYS there to answer the call!

James Curtis Shawn Euber Ryan Lee David Orvis Jennifer Turner Alyssa Lucia, Jr. Firefighter Baily Larock, Jr. Firefighter

We Salute Our Local Firefighters– They Really Take The Heat!

OTT Communications

802-877-3118 connectingyourworld

897-9911

“Serving the Champlain Valley Since 1887”

PAGE 22 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

Vergennes Fire Department

Roster Jim Breur, Chief Chris Gebo, Dep. Chief Matt Fraley, Dep. Chief David DiBiase, Capt.

Brian Fraser, Capt.

Matt Crowley, Capt.

Chris Dion, Capt.

Sheila Turpin, Dispatcher John Dugan Jack Badger Bill Brown Robert Burbo Liam Casey Les Champine

Kevin Charbonneau Mike Collette Andrea Conright Patrick Crowley Trevor Currier Mike Daniels Caleb Dion

Insuring Emergency Service Organizations since 1969

Thank You

Jeffrey Fortune Zachary Gebo Aimee Goff Kyle Goucher Jeremy Kelly Jim Larrow Cory Lumbra

Reid Lumbra Peter McDurfee Chris McKirryher Grady O’Connor Ryan Sheehan Will Phillips

Providing Home Heating Fuel Delivery and Service to the Champlain Valley Since 1945

Jackman Fuels Inc.

Propane • Ultra Low Sulfur Heating Oil & Kerosene

877-2661 Locally owned Family Business

Addison County Firefighters

for your dedication to our community.

We appreciate all you do!

205 Main Street, Vergennes • jackmanfuels.com

Foote’s Insurance Agency “We Salute You!” Automobile • General Liability • Management Liability Portable Equipment • Property • Umbrella Accident & Sickness • Length of Service Awards Program

For 78 Years! Since 1938 Your Local Insurance Professionals for • Home • Auto • Business

GAINES INSURANCE AGENCY, INC. 154 Monkton Rd., Ferrisburgh • 877-2878 www.gainesinsurance.com

6 Green Street • Vergennes, VT 05491 • 802-877-3351 www.footesinsurance.com

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016 — PAGE 23

Weybridge Fire Department Roster Bill Sinks Rob Gaboriault Reid Peck Abe Miller A.J. Piper Steve Weber T. Charlie Jordan Don Kenney Dick Unger Bo Knepp Bill Jaring Bryan Phelps Dylan Bougar Ron Crawford Chuck Root Dusty Simmons Cody Broughton Roger Hamilton Heidi Anderson

Whiting Fire Department

Roster Mike Wilbur, Chief Gary Freeguard, Asst. Chief Steve White, Asst. Chief Tom Bouchard, Captain Brian Denis, Captain Cody Quesnel, Captain

Bob Wood, Training Officer Nicholas Iocca, Training Officer Greg Kokinis, Training Officer Stacey Freeguard, Secretary/Treasurer Jonathan Ashley Matthew Berry

Randy Bertrand David Bilodeau Randy Denis Chris Manfredi Austin Quesnel Lawrence Quesnel

Brian Thomas Larry Wilbur Cadets: Justin Anderson Ethan Sulik Doty Dalton Wilke

PAGE 24 —

A SALUTE TO FIREFIGHTERS • Addison Independent, Thursday, August 11, 2016

MREMS

MIDDLEBURY-REGIONAL

Emergency Medical Services

THANK YOU for your past support of MREMS. We have been providing emergency service in Addison County for more than 4 decades. We started as a citizen-led, all volunteer organization and have evolved into a dual volunteer and career staff service. Today, MIDDLEBURY REGIONAL EMS is much more than just ambulance services.

We also provide: • Paramedic-Level service • 911 Ambulance Response • First Responder services • Heavy Rescue services • Community Education • Dispatch & Answering services • Switchboard service for Porter Hospital • Ambulance billing services We are here to serve you and your family in your time of need. As a non-profit organization providing critical service to the community, we ask you to become a member to support our mission.

Thank you, MREMS Staff

Membership Application

(ALSO AVAILABLE ONLINE)

Middlebury Regional EMS Annual Membership Program Membership year: July 1, 2016–June 30, 2017 Why Should You Become a Member?

You never know when you or a loved one might need this critical emergency service.

MREMS responds to over 2000 incidents a year, providing state-of-the-art patient care. Without this membership, your cost could exceed $1000 for 911 ambulance services.

As a non-profit organization, MREMS needs your support.

Subscription Plans: $55 Single: a single person who has no other persons living in the household. $65 Double: two people living at the same physical address. $80 Family: all people living at the same physical address, including all legal dependents.

Business: The business must be registered with the state of Vermont. Minimum of 5 employees for this membership. Cost per employee $40.

Membership applies to resident and business subscribers who live and work in the 10 towns we service: Middlebury, East Middlebury, Bridport, Cornwall, Orwell, Ripton, Salisbury, Shoreham, Weybridge, Whiting, and parts of New Haven.

We bill your insurance company directly. Your membership is not an insurance policy— it covers any outstanding fees that your insurance carrier does not cover.

Name (primary member or business): __________________________________________________________ Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________________________ Phone: __________________________________________________________________________________ Please list names of household or business members to include in membership: ________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________

Membership $55 Single

$65 Double

$80 Family

Business: $40 per employee Total # of employees ________ X $40/per employee = $ ___________ I would like to include an additional donation of $______________towards the purchase of a new ambulance Payments can be made by check payable to MREMS, or by Visa or Mastercard. MREMS reserves the right to any third-party billing. All program fees are tax deductible – a copy of your application is your receipt.

Method of payment Check #_______________

MasterCard Visa Card # __________________________________________________________________________________ Expiration date: ________________________________________ 3 or 4 digit security code ______________ Cardholder Name _________________________________________________________________________ Billing address (if different from above) ________________________________________________________ _______________________________________________________________________________________ Signature _________________________________________________ Date: _________________________ MREMS respects your privacy. We will not share any of your information with 3rd parties.

Questions? Call 388-3286 • www.middlebury911.org

Membership is valid form July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017 and must be renewed annually.

MEMBERSHIP AGREEMENT TERMS I hereby apply for the Middlebury Regional EMS (MREMS) service subscription membership program as indicated on the reverse side of this form. I understand that the indicatedfee provides local emergency ambulance services to members and their registered associates as indicated and qualified, and as determined to be medically necessary within the service area of MREMS at no additional cost during the time of the prescribed agreement (MREMS fiscal year period of July 1 to June 30). I also understand that this membership permits MREMS to collect directly from any third party agency whatever benefits may be available at no charge to me, my family, or my constituents, and that this membership is non-refundable and non-transferrable. I request that any payment of any authorized insurance benefits be made on my behalf to MREMS for any services furnished by this health care provider or supplier. I authorize any holder of medical information about me to be released to the Health Care Financing Administration and its agents any information needed to determine these benefits payable for related services.

Signature ____________________________________ Date ________________________________________

Send form & payment to: MREMS Attn: Subscription Membership 55 Collins Drive, Middlebury VT 05753 (802) 388-3286 • (8020 989-7245 Fax