In addition to responding to emergencies, the department engaged in extensive training, administrative work, and community service efforts.

During the months of October-December 2024, the CFD answered 270 calls for help: 103 in October, 89 in November, and 78 in December. The total number of calls for 2024 was 1,012, which was 34 more calls than during 2023 and 54 more than during 2022.

Notable incidents over the past three months included:
• October 6th: CFD crews assisted with the rescue of an injured hiker at Roaring Brook Falls. This was the second hiker rescued at Roaring Brook with help from the CFD in 2024.
• October 18th: The CFD responded to a structure fire on Rockview Drive. CFD members involved with this fire were recognized for their life-saving efforts by the Town Council.
• November 18th: CFD responded to two separate vehicle fires, one on Sandbank Rd and the second on the exit 26 west on ramp to I-84.
• During December, CFD provided mutual aid assistance to the Wolcott Fire Department and the Southington Fire Department during structure fires in those towns.

Department training drills for the quarter included engine company operations, firefighter rescue, and cold water/ice rescue. Several dozen CFD members participated in live fire training (including fire attack and extinguishment, ventilation, and victim search) at the Wolcott Fire School in November.

Throughout the three months, the CFD ran a social media campaign to promote recruitment. The successful campaign yielded a number of individuals interested in joining the CFD as volunteer firefighters. Inquiries about becoming a member are always welcome! To learn more, email recruiting@cheshirefd.org or go to www.cheshirefd.org/content/join for a membership application.

The CFD held its annual Life Members Night in November. Life Members in attendance totaled 1,246 total years of volunteer service to the CFD. Two members who have recently achieved Life Member status include Ex-Captain Scott Thibodeau who joined the CFD in 2004, and Mark Adkins, who became a Life Member on his 46th anniversary of joining.

CFD members ran an annual toy drive on December 14th, this year in cooperation with Rebel Interactive. Collected toys and gift cards were delivered to Cheshire Human Services. Together with the Cheshire Police Department, CFD members brought toys directly to a few Cheshire families and to the Yale Children’s Hospital toy closet. Cash donations are matched by The Cheshire Rotary every year.

The Cheshire Fire Department is committed to serving the community and enhancing public safety into 2025. Stay informed about CFD activities and fire safety tips by visiting www.cheshirefd.org, following the department on Facebook (Cheshire Volunteer Fire Department), and on Instagram (cheshirect.fd).