Thomaston, CT Annual Fire Carnival and Parade 2017

by DC Gabe Balsamo in Company Events

North Madison Fire recently headed to Thomaston, CT for their Annual Fire Carnival and Parade. North Madison competed against numerous other fire departments from around the state. Currently, we are awaiting the results from the Connecticut Parade Marshals Association. This year 10-85 and 10-95 headed north to compete for “best appearing” in their respective categories. Check out some of the photos from the evening!

 

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Best Appearing Brush Truck 2017

by DC Gabe Balsamo in General

On June 10, 2017 the North Madison Vol. Fire Company traveled to Beacon Falls CT to participate in the Beacon Hose Fire Department annual firemen’s parade and carnival. This event is held every year and it kicks off the CT firefighters parade season, in which many departments around the state hold annual parades leading up to the state firefighters convention in September. This year we are proud to announce that Nomad took home the Best Appearing Brush Truck trophy from this event. We plan on attending more parades throughout the summer including the state firefighters convention in Taftville CT on September 17, 2017.

 

 

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Independence Day Events 2017

by DC Gabe Balsamo in Company Events, General

Concert on the Green

July 1, 2017
6:15 PM

35th annual Concert on the Green to celebrate the 4th of July holiday weekend. Caribbean band Moto plays at 6:15 followed by the Wallingford Symphony Orchestra playing “Our Great American Music Classics” at 7:00PM. Music in the concert finale includes patriotic pieces such as the “1812 Overture” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
Concert is free but there are reserved ticket areas for patrons who donate $70 or more.

Due to the large number of people expected to attend, everyone is encouraged to arrive early as there will be traffic delays and parking restrictions.  The Concert on the Green is an alcohol-free event.  NO ALCOHOL is allowed on the Madison Town Green.  There will be no parking posted in the area including Copse Road from Bradley Road to Britton Lane.

 

Independence Day Fireworks

July 3, 2017
9:30 PM

 

The Town of Madison Annual Independence Day Fireworks display will be held on Monday, July 3, 2017 at approximately 9:30 PM at the Madison Surf Club.  Due to the large numbers of people who are expected at the event, everyone is encouraged to arrive early as there will be traffic delays, road closures and parking restrictions.

  • West Wharf Road
  • Surf Club Road
  • Middle Beach Road
  • Middle Beach Road West
  • Seaview Avenue

Public Transportation/Shuttle Service

Shuttle service will commence at 7:00 PM and will run continuously throughout the evening.  Shuttle service pickup locations include:

  • Samson Rock Drive / Stop & Shop Parking Lot
  • Railroad Station / Bradley Road
  • Durham Road (Rt. 79) Commuter Parking Lot

After the fireworks, shuttle service will return commuters to these locations and will run until all potential passengers are accommodated.

 

ALL ACCESS TO THE BEACH AREA VIA MOTOR VEHICLE WILL BE CLOSED BY 8:30 PM
WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION/SHUTTLE SERVICE

Independence Day Parade

July 4, 2017
11:00 AM

The Town of Madison Annual Independence Day Parade will be held on Tuesday, July 4, 2017, commencing at 11:00 AM.   The parade will proceed west on Boston Post Road (Route 1) from Samson Rock Drive to the West Wharf Road and will end in the Surf Club.  The parade will require road closures.  Residents and motorists should expect traffic delays along the parade route between 11:00 AM and 1:00 PM. Affected areas will include Boston Post Road (Route 1) and all intersecting roads between Wall Street/Samson Rock Drive and West Wharf Road, including:

  • Boston Post Road (Route 1)
  • Wall Street
  • Samson Rock Drive
  • Durham Road (Route 79)
  • Meig’s Avenue
  • Academy Street
  • Copse Road
  • Island Avenue
  • Britton Lane
  • West Wharf Road
  • Lantern Hill Road

Motorists are encouraged to seek alternate routes during the parade.  Residents/Visitors requiring access to Middle Beach Road, or Madison Beach Hotel should use East Wharf Road to access those areas during the parade.  There will be no public access to the Surf Club or to the Madison Country Club (via West Wharf Road) during the parade.

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Editorial: Firefighter 1 Training

by DC Gabe Balsamo in General

 

Editorial: Firefighter 1 Training

Written by: Firefighter Brendan Collins

 

“Fire School?

~ Aren’t you mostly getting cats out of trees?”

When I first mentioned to people that I was becoming a volunteer firefighter with the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company these were the types of questions I heard frequently. Truthfully, they’re questions I had asked myself at one point. (Side note, to date I have not rescued a single cat.)

Contrary to the levity such questions suggest, becoming a volunteer firefighter is in fact serious business. At times, life and death serious.

Thankfully “working” fires are a small percentage of our calls for service. We also respond to car accidents, carbon monoxide alarms, and theoretically cats stuck in trees.

In addition, a good deal of time is spent connecting with the community and sharing comradery with fellow volunteers. All of these factors contributed to my desire to join and serve our community in this way.

As a prospective volunteer balancing a career, family and other commitments it was initially a challenge. My father has been a volunteer firefighter for more than 50 years so I knew about the late night alarms, and frequent need to leave work or the dinner table when a call went out. What I found out is there is much more to this role I’ve chosen than responding to emergencies.

The first step in becoming a firefighter is to take the state Fire 1 course. This is an introduction to firefighting as well as interior firefighter certification, Hazardous Materials Awareness and Operations.

Passing this course requires a significant time commitment but one that is justified when you consider the risk involved.  What was surprising to me is firefighting isn’t as simple as putting water on the fire.

During Fire1 volunteers learn everything from carrying and throwing a ladder, to fire attack and search and rescue. The instructors introduce you to countless acronyms and terms such as LDH (Large Diameter Hose), IDLH (Immediate Danger to Life and Health), the “Irons” (Halligan tool and Axe) and positive pressure ventilation (blowing fresh air into a structure to remove toxic gasses and smoke.)

Then there’s the equipment, trucks, tools and protocols. Learning about all these seemed quite daunting at the outset, but I have come to learn that the fire department is full of people who want to help. When I’ve had questions about how things work or what needs to be done there is someone willing to lend a hand.

Being a volunteer firefighter isn’t all lights and sirens, it is ultimately about people. I have met some inspiring members that truly give more than they will ever receive. From doctors, lawyers, sales people, landscapers, engineers, and even professional firefighters they all come together to help serve the community. This extends beyond the firehouse doors as well. I’ve personally witnessed our “neighbors helping neighbors” motto materialize countless times in my brief tenure so far.

In short, becoming a North Madison firefighter has enriched my life in more ways than I can express here. It has fulfilled a need for teamwork and comradery previously filled by organized sports and has given me the opportunity to become an active member of my new community,

When the call comes across the pager that there is someone in need of help, our volunteer firefighters and EMS personnel are part of a team that willingly leaves the comfort of their homes to help others.

These are people I want to know.

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North Madison Fire Food Drive April 2017

by DC Gabe Balsamo in Company Events, General

 

 

For the sixth year in a row, CT shoreline fire departments will host a one-day food drive on Sat. April 8th from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. to collect non-perishable food for shoreline residents in need.

At a time of year when food donations are low, this food drive will help to restock the pantries and ensure that everyone in our local communities will have a place at the table. The Soup Kitchens’ five pantries distributed over 1 million pounds of food last year to needy residents. Only 40 percent of this food comes from the CT Food Bank; the remainder must be either purchased or donated, so every item is appreciated. Last year’s drive brought in close to 4,000 pounds of food, and this year’s goal is 6,000 pounds.

Please join the effort by donating food on Saturday, April 8, 2017. North Madison Fire will be stationed outside Roberts Food Center from 9-1p Please do not drop off food before that date.

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10-55 Engine Replacement: In Progress

by DC Gabe Balsamo in General

An article from our most recent newsletter “Getting to know us Volume 2, Issue 2”

10-55 Engine Replacement: In Progress 

By Donald MacMillan

 

The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company (NMVFC) is in the process of replacing 10-55, our 24-year-old pumper.

To provide the best fire protection to the residents of North Madison we need two pumpers, each custom built to fulfill its mission.

Our primary pumper, 10-57, is specifically designed and employed to attack fires, while 10-55 serves as a water source pumper. Since North Madison does not have water hydrants, we rely on mutual aid water supply and the water we have in our underground water tanks. We use 10-55 to get the water from the tanks and to serve as the primary piece of apparatus we send to other towns in need of assistance.

Many towns use bonding to purchase apparatus, and although this method is effective the overall cost over the life of the bond issue remains high.
NMVFC purchases a major piece of apparatus every 6-7 years generally costing $400,000 to $1,000,000. An expenditure of this magnitude can have a significant impact on the town budget. To prevent budget fluctuations funds have been put aside every year in a capital account to be available when needed. Since the town put aside the cost of our new truck we were able to save $20,000.

We are often asked about the fate of old apparatus.  In the past we have donated fire trucks to needy rural fire departments.  Our two previous engines found new homes in rural New Hampshire, replacing 40-year-old apparatus.  We are very fortunate to have the resources to provide relatively modern equipment to towns that do not share our fortunes.

The fire department and the town are committed to providing the highest level of fire protection to all residents. Your continued support of the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company is greatly appreciated.

 

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2017 Annual Souper Bowl

by DC Gabe Balsamo in Company Events

Join us at the Madison Chamber of Commerce’s
2nd ANNUAL Souper Bowl
Saturday, January 28, Noon to 3pm
Part of the proceeds will benefit  Outrun 38,  a  charity that promotes fitness and healthy living in a supportive community to heighten awareness of Cystic Fibrosis while supporting the growing “healthy sick”
CF population.
Be sure to join us downtown this Saturday,
and bring your family, your friends and your hunger!
If you’d like to avoid the lines and pre-purchase a $10 admission sticker,  please click here .

Many thanks to our Sponsors: 

 
Essex Savings Bank
The Shoreline Vine
North Madison Volunteer Fire Department
Hammonasset Crossfit
See you Saturday!   Click here if you’d like to share the poster.

 

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Winter Indoor Fire Safety Tips

by DC Gabe Balsamo in Safety Tips

 

 

More fires happen in the winter months than any other time of the year. During the cold months, we spend more time indoors and use different methods to heat our homes.

It is important to keep fire safety in mind when you are heating your home.

If you are using a portable heater:

  • Make sure the heater has an automatic shut-off so if it tips over, it shuts off.
  • Keep anything that can burn such bedding, clothing and curtains at least 3 feet from the heater.
  • Plug portable heaters directly into wall outlets. Never use an extension cord or power strip.
  • Turn heaters off when you go to bed or leave the room.

If you are using a fireplace:

  • Keep a glass or metal screen in front of the fireplace to prevent embers or sparks from jumping out and starting a fire.
  • Do not burn paper in your fireplace.
  • Before you go to sleep or leave your home put the fire out completely.
  • Put ashes in a metal container with a lid. Store the container outside at least 3 feet from your home.

If you are using a wood stove:

  • Have your chimney inspected and cleaned each year by a professional.
  • Keep anything that can burn at least 3 feet from the stove.
  • Do not burn paper in your wood stove.
  • Before you go to sleep or leave your home, put the fire out completely.

 

When heating your home, you need to be aware of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide, also known as CO, is called the “invisible killer” because it’s a colorless, odorless, and poisonous gas. More than 150 people in the U.S. die each year due to accidental CO poisoning from generators or fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, stoves, water heaters and fire places. Breathing CO at high levels can kill you.

Put CO alarms inside your home to provide an early warning of increasing CO levels. These alarms should be placed in a central location outside each sleeping area and on every level of your home.

As always, make sure you have a smoke alarm on every level of your home, inside bedrooms and outside sleeping areas. Test your alarms every month. Have a home fire escape plan and practice your plan at least twice a year. Make sure everyone knows how to escape your home if there is a fire.

For more information on heating fire safety, go to the U.S. Fire Administration.

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2016 Santa Fundraiser Follow up

by DC Gabe Balsamo in General

Many thanks to the participants, friends and volunteers who made our 2016 Santa fundraiser a huge success!  On two Sundays in December, the Nomads were honored to help Santa Claus and his elves deliver gifts to 70 families in North Madison.  Children and adults alike were amazed when Santa hopped off the firetruck at their very own door!   (Santa’s sleigh was still in the shop for routine service before its annual Christmas Eve flight).  Even when foggy weather hit, Santa and the Nomads delivered a surprise gift to every child on their nice-kid early-bird list despite the absence of Rudolph, who’d wanted to come but had his annual buff-and-wax nose-shine appointment.  We look forward to continuing with this popular and joyous event next year, and we’re deeply grateful for the continued, widespread community support of the North Madison Volunteer Fire Company.  Ho-ho-ho and Happy New Year to all!

 

 

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2016 Holiday Fire Safety Information

by DC Gabe Balsamo in Safety Tips

 

It is fun to decorate for the winter holidays, but holiday decorations can increase your risk of a home fire. As you deck the halls this season, be fire smart.

When you’re decorating with live trees, make sure you keep the tree watered. If a dry tree comes in contact with a flame, it can catch on fire in fewer than 10 seconds and spread quickly throughout your home. Take a minute to watch this video which shows the difference between a dry and watered tree, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZk4vIXCnc8

Here are a few tips to keep your holiday decorations bright and safe:

  • Choose the freshest tree you can find. Check to see if the needles stay when you gently pull on a branch.
  • After making a fresh cut on the trunk and placing the tree in a stand, fill the stand’s water basin. Make sure you water your tree every day. Keep electrical cords and lights away from the water.
  • Choose holiday decorations that are flame resistant or flame retardant.
  • Choose holiday lights with a label from an approved testing laboratory, such as UL, and throw away any frayed or damaged light strands.
  • Place your tree at least three feet from heat registers, space heaters, and fireplaces.
  • If you decorate with candles, make sure they are at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
  • Consider using battery-operated flameless candles, which can look, smell and feel like real candles.

Learn more at USFA website.

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