Credit: Kaitlin McCallum

On Tuesday May 1st, the East Farmington Vol. Fire Department welcomed the arrival of the new Rescue Engine 10! Members, family and friends were present to bid farewell to the old Engine 10 as it drove past the East Farms fire house one last time with lights and sirens, followed by the new engine. Though it was sad to see the old Engine 10 retired, members were thrilled to finally get their hands on the new apparatus. Rescue Engine 10 is equipped with state of the art technology and has the capabilities to perform both rescue and fire suppression operations.

Click HERE to be directed to the Farmington Patch for pictures and videos of the new Engine!  

The man was unresponsive when East Farms Firefighters were dispatched at 2:03 p.m. on Thursday afternoon March 22, 2012. Initial reports indicated that bystanders had started CPR. When the fire department arrived on scene a few minutes later, department EMT’s confirmed that he was in cardiac arrest. Knowing that time was of the essence, the crew of Lt David Koplowitz, Lt Nicholas Kimball, FF/EMT Gary Petersen, FF/EMT Shaun Koch and FF/EMT Matt Collins dug upon their training and past experiences and sprang into action to try to revive this person who had collapsed unexpectedly in the cafeteria of Bank of America on Batterson Park Road.

The firefighters took over CPR and applied the fire department’s Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) administering shocks in accordance with medical control. The fire departments efforts set the stage as Paramedics from the UCONN Health Center arrived to provide advanced life support services. The patient was then transported by AMR Ambulance to John Dempsey Hospital where a team of Doctors were waiting. The patient was treated by hospital staff and was released from the hospital a week later expecting to make a full recovery. It is our understanding that he is doing well.

This is a success story that highlights the importance of each of the components in the “chain of survival.” The chain of survival is a four-step process outlined by the American Heart Association for saving the life of a person in cardiac arrest. It includes early access to emergency care, CPR, defibrillation, and early advanced care. As Lieutenant Koplowitz remarked, “the FD personal on scene worked in highly professional manner and did everything they were trained to do, which I feel contributed to a successful outcome. I would also like to highlight and give my recommendation for the citizens award to the bystanders who initiated CPR prior to the FD arrival, which contributed to the chain of survival for the patient. Overall I am very proud of all personal on scene for such a successful outcome and working in such a proficient manner.“

The Fire Department has since nominated the by standers as recipients of a Recognition Award for their efforts in saving this man’s life. Check back for details on the presentation.

CONGRATULATIONS to all the emergency responders and bystanders who contributed to this saving this person!

Click HERE to read more in the UConn Health Center’s May issue of Emergency Medical Services Partners.

Firefighter and past Chief John Nelson and Firefighter Gary Larkum pose with the excited raffle winners. Click the image for more pictures.

The East Farms School PTO has been helping the support the school for many years through various community activities and fund raising events. The money raised supports the school with purchasing items that help to enhance the education system. It was a no brainer when the PTO contacted Chief Nelson in January asking if the FD would be willing to sponsor a Ride to School in a Fire Truck as one of their raffle prizes for an upcoming fund raising event. ‘In 2010 the EF PTO formed a Technology Committee out of concern for the condition of the computer lab, which was overdue for updating. The committee identified a multi-year plan and organized a fundraiser, called “Go Green” since it took place around St. Patrick’s Day. The 2010 event raised $18,000. The committee decided to keep with the color theme and came up with “Paint the Town Red” in 2011 since it was held close to Valentine’s Day. In 2010 in Phase 1 of the Technology Plan, the PTO purchased 24 monitors and 24 computer desks for the lab, and document cameras for all fourth-grade classrooms. In 2011, in Phase 2, the PTO’s goal was to furnish all classes with the document camera systems and purchase some digital writing tablets and in 2012, in Phase 3, the goal is to provide wireless internet access throughout the building so teachers can move around with laptops.’ {Credit Farmington Patch Article 02/15/11}

On Friday morning March 23, Abby Finn, Mia Greco, Ryan Jainchill, Zoe Kaye, Brady McLaughlin, and Anna Weygang were the lucky recipients of a Ride to School in Engine 9. Fire Fighter Gary Larkum and Past Chief Jack Nelson served as the Chaperones. They embarked from the fire station shortly after 7 am to pick up the kids one by one at their homes handling them a Fire Prevention fire helmet as they greeted each. Once the final child as picked up, the fire fighters had a little surprise for the kids. They brought them to Dunkin Donuts and treated them to some munchkins! The kids were then dropped off at the school where they had many stories to share with their friends!

Click HERE to see a video of the event!

Our design engineer, John Borovies, was very knowledgeable about each aspect of the truck. Together we discussed each compartment layout and best tool placement locations. Remembering previous emergencies and preparations for future situations contribute in the arrangements of the compartments. Though we had to modify our initial design a little, the improvements of functionality and ease of access were worthwhile changes to improve the safety of fire fighters and the community we serve.

Last of the day was planning paint and graphics. KME has been producing trucks since 1964 and was able to provide us with many ideas and images of previous builds. By combining these ideas with the design we had in mind, we were able to come up with several design configurations for us to consider in the next few weeks.  It won’t be easy we know for sure that The Town of Farmington and its residents are sure to be proud of the new Rescue Engine 10!  We are now back in Farmington and anxiously wait for the call from KME to come down for final inspection.  The new engine is expected to be delivered in late April.  After orientations and training, we will look to put it into service shortly thereafter to serve those in need for a long time to come.

Structure fire at 1133 Fienemann Road with Engine 9 and Car 201 in the foreground. Photo Credit:Tracey Amato.

At 16:03 on Saturday afternoon March 3, Fire Fighters from East Farms, Farmington and the UCONN Fire Departments were alerted to a reported structure fire at 1133 Fienemann Road. Upon arrival crews encountered heavy smoke coming from the rear of the house. It was reported that all occupants had made it out of the home but the family’s dog was still inside. Crews made an aggressive interior attack and were able to extinguish the fire rapidly. The crews were also able to locate the dog and bring it outside where fire fighters administered oxygen to it. The dog suffered from smoke inhalation and was brought to a nearby emergency veterinary clinic by the home owner. One occupant of the home also suffered from smoke inhalation and was transported to John Dempsey Hospital by AMR Ambulance. Fire Fighters remained on scene into the early evening while the Farmington Fire Marshal and his staff investigated.

Units on scene: Engine 4, Engine 5, Engine 6, Engine 8, Engine 9, Engine 10, Ladder 1, UCONN Engine 1, UCONN Medic 1 & 2, AMR Ambulance, Farmington Police, Car 201, Car 202, Car 203, Car 401, Car 402, UCONN Car 5

Click on the following links for more information:

WFSB.com

FarmingtonPatch.com

Courant.com

Certificate of appreciation given to local firefighters for a job well done!

On Wednesday February 15, the Town of Farmington provided a reception to all Volunteers, Businesses, Town and Board of Education employees who served the community during Tropical Storm Irene and Winter Storm Alfred in 2011. The reception was held at the Farmington Gardens on Farmington Avenue and provided an opportunity for the Town leaders to express their sincere gratitude for all those who helped the town for the historical storms. Chief Russ Nelson, Lieutenant David Koplowitz, Vice President Jack Nelson, FF Ted Jones, FF/EMT Gary Larkum, FF/EMT Sarrena Lombard and FF Ralph Westerberg attended and enjoyed some light hors d’oeuvres and refreshments as Town Leaders and Elected Officials all conveyed the message of heartfelt appreciation for those who stepped up and provided a helping hand to the community during the storms. Town Council Chairman Jeff Hogan and Town Manager Kathleen Eagen handed out Appreciation Certificates to all fire fighters in attendance personally thanking each and every one of them.

Click here to read the reception pamphlet!

Click here to read more at the courant.com!

While you are at the station, take a tour of the Fire Apparatus, meet our firefighters, see the equipment that is used to protect and save lives.

Parking is available to the rear of the firehouse, with additional parking at the UAW offices, located on the corner of South Road and Munson Road – shuttle transportation provided.

Lt. David Koplowitz posing with his Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit School certificate.

Graduated from Connecticut Fire Academy Recruit Class #48

On Thursday December 22, 2011 Lieutenant David Koplowitz received his diploma from the Connecticut Fire Academy for successfully completing the Connecticut Fire Academy’s 14 week Fire Fighter Recruit Program.  The program is designed to provide basic firefighting and rescue skills to newly hired fire fighters preparing them for their everyday job responsibilities.  What makes Dave’s accomplishment so noteworthy is that he did this all on his own!

Since joining the fire department in 2008, you could see the passion Dave has held for the fire department and the emergency services that are provided.  He has continually taken classes to advance his knowledge and abilities and has recently been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant.  As an aspiring career fire fighter, Dave is well aware that obtaining his dream job is highly competitive.  There are many people who apply for the few available positions for the best job in the world!  With that in mind, Dave took the unique steps of applying and entering the recruit class on his own with hopes that the additional training and certifications will help him in his pursuit of his dream.  He endured and sacrificed 14 hard weeks of sweat, hard work, grit and determination to become the first ever fire fighter from East Farms to enter and complete the recruit class on his own!  We are extremely proud of Dave, look forward to having him back and wish him the best of luck.  CONGRATULATIONS LIEUTENANT KOPLOWITZ!!

Click HERE to see a pdf file of the program from graduation.

Click HERE to read an on the Farmington Patch about Lt. Koplowitz and the CT Fire Recruit program.

Years of Service pins were awarded to Graham Eyres for five years, Patrick Royce for twenty years and John Nelson for forty years.

Certificates of Excellence were awarded to the following members who responded to greater than 25% of the Department’s total calls:  Joshua Aponte, Assistant Chief David Czlapinski, Graham Eyres, Jesse Garrard, Gary Holloway, Lt. Nicholas Kimball, Gary Larkum, Stephen Melnick, Kevin Moriarty, Captain James Moynihan, Deputy Chief Brian Nelson, John Nelson, Chief Russell Nelson and Bruce Pierce.

Recognition letters were given to members who displayed outstanding performance or were members of a team that had a significant impact on the outcome of a call.

Those receiving letters for an elevator rescue at the Exchange were PJ Amato, John Biskupski, Julian Bolduc, Lt. David Koplowitz, Gary Larkum and Kevin Moriarty.

Receiving letters for response to a tractor trailer fire on I84 were Graham Eyres, Lt. Nicholas Kimball, Nicholas Lefebvre and Kevin Moriarty.

Receiving letters for an elevator rescue at 135 South Road were Gary Larkum, Frankie Medina, Stephen Melnick and John Nelson.

EMS Appreciation Certificates were awarded to the following members who responded to greater than 25% of the Department’s medical calls:  Joshua Aponte, Assistant Chief David Czlapinski, Graham Eyres, Jesse Garrard, Gary Holloway, Lt. Nicholas Kimball, Lt. David Koplowitz, Gary Larkum, Stephen Melnick, Captain James Moynihan, Kevin Moriarty, Deputy Chief Brian Nelson, John Nelson, Chief Russell Nelson, Captain John Neves and Bruce Pierce.

EMT pins were awarded to four members who attained their Emergency Medical Technician certification:  John Biskupski, Julian Bolduc, Matthew Collins and Bruce Pierce.  Pins were also awarded to two new members who were already EMT’s:  David Hutchison and Sarrena Lombard.

CPR Save Pins were awarded to Richard Palmer, Gary Petersen, Christopher Scott and John Neves.

Special Recognition Awards were given to the John G. Martin Foundation and Howard Baldwin, Jr.

Plaques were presented to the following for their achievements:

Kevin Moriarty – Top Responder Fire

Assistant Chief David Czlapinski – Top Responder – Medical

Kevin Moriarty – Rookie Firefighter of the Year

Bruce Pierce – Rookie EMT of the Year

Joshua Aponte – Most Improved Firefighter

Stephen Melnick – Most Improved EMT

Lt. David Koplowitz – Best Use of Technical Skills

Captain John Neves – Best Use of Medical Skills

John Biskupski – Part-Time Staff Member of the Year

Gary Petersen – Career Staff Member of the Year

Irma Butler – Achievement Award

Chief Russell Nelson – Line Officer of the Year

David Hutchison – Chief’s Award

Shawn Curtis – Petersen Award

Lt. David Koplowitz – EMT of the Year

Deputy Chief Brian Nelson – Firefighter of the Year

Congratulations to all of the recipients!

“Proud of Our Past, Focused On Our Future”

Welcome to the home of the East Farmington Volunteer Fire Department, Inc! Scroll down to read more about recent events.

We would like to thank everyone who has supported our department golf tournament in the past. Information on the 2012 golf tournament will be coming soon!

CLICK HERE to read more about our fire department.