JANUARY - MARCH 2024

By Firefighter Mark Kasinskas, Life Member

The Cheshire Fire Department proudly provided fire and rescue services within the Town of Cheshire during the 1
CFD members responded to numerous fire and rescue incidents, performed training and administration activities, and assisted with several community service functions.

During the months of January-March 2024, the CFD was dispatched to 243 calls for help, which was 27 more calls than during the same quarter in 2023 (a 13% increase). Calls over the past year have averaged 84 per month. Calls involving fire alarms and carbon monoxide detectors make up a notable percentage of the CFD’s responses in a typical month. Please regularly check and maintain your alarm systems to ensure they are working properly to help keep you and others safe.

During the first quarter, there was 1 new Recruit firefighter application and four Junior applications, two Recruits became Regular firefighters, and one Regular firefighter achieved Life Member status. In February, Firefighter Alexis Pagan was elected Lieutenant by the membership to fill a vacancy.

Some of the many community events that CFD members have recently participated in included:
• The annual Home Show at Cheshire High School in March, to promote fire safety/prevention.
• Firehouse tours and presentations to local groups, to educate about fire safety and the CFD.
• Cheshire High School’s career day, to promote the CFD and the fire service with students.

CFD firefighters maintained a regular schedule of important training drills during the past three months. Some topics included: truck company operations; live burn training; firefighter survival techniques; Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) preparedness; overturned vehicle stabilization; and rope rescue & hauling systems. Several firefighters are currently enrolled in Connecticut Fire Academy courses. A “Q” driving class also began, which is the first step for firefighters to become CFD apparatus drivers.

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

Are you looking for a new way to help the Cheshire community? New applications for membership with the Cheshire Fire Department are always welcome. Please contact Fire Headquarters (203-272-1828) if you or someone you know might be interested in joining us in helping to serve the community. Or, stop by any firehouse on Monday evenings between 6-8pm. Regular membership eligibility starts at age 18 and 16-17 year-olds may join as junior firefighters. Additional details about CFD membership are at www.cheshirefd.og/content/join.