CFD members responded to numerous fire and rescue incidents, performed training and administration activities, and assisted with several community service functions.

During the 3rd Quarter of 2024, the CFD responded to 263 calls (78 in July, 105 in August, and 80 in September). Some notable calls over the past three months included the following:
• August 4th: The Cheshire Fire Department responded to a reported structure fire on Abrams Road. Units arrived to find the homeowner had extinguished a small fire in the basement. It was determined that a lightning strike occurred in close proximity to the house. The electrical charge energized a gas pipe in the basement and started a small fire.
• August 7th: Tractor trailer fire, I-84. The truck was carrying linen products which made the fire difficult and labor intensive to extinguish. In addition to water, crews used a new and environmentally safe firefighting foam to ensure extinguishment.
• August 11th: Car fire – I-84 Exit 26 off ramp, SUV.

A swearing-in ceremony was held on September 9th for three recently elected Lieutenants: Jeff Fell, Austin Ingarra, and Alexis Pagan. Between July and September, there were five recruit applications and 2 junior applications, and two juniors moved to recruit status.

The Cheshire Fire Department is always looking for new members – a recruitment drive is currently in progress. Email recruiting@cheshirefd.org to learn more about joining or go to www.cheshirefd.org/content/join for a membership application. Membership eligibility starts at age 16. Keep an eye out for us online and at more public events around town!

Department training drills for the quarter included rope rescue, ventilation, and vehicle extrication. CFD members participate in monthly department drills and weekly station drills at their assigned firehouses. Some recent weekly topics have included: highway call apparatus placement, ladders, vehicle stabilization, and hose operations.

Notable community relations events during this quarter included two days of participation in the Hometown Foundation’s Dream Ride Experience in August, attendance at three of the Cheshire Parks Department’s Bartlem Beats concerts, and attendance at the Cheshire Fall Festival in September. At each of these heavily attended events, CFD members let the public tour our fire apparatus, reminded both kids and adults of important fire safety tips, and answered questions about the department.

The Cheshire Fire Department is prepared to continue its service to the Cheshire community. Postings about CFD activities and safety information can be found at www.cheshirefd.org, on Facebook (“Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department”), and on Instagram (cheshirect.fd).