Dear North Madison Neighbors,

On Saturday, January 26th North Madison Fire took center stage, winning first place in the Madison Chamber of Commerce 4th Annual Souper Bowl Competition!!!

Chili Category…
3rd Place: St. Margaret’s Knights
2nd Place: Madison Hose Company No. 1
1st Place: North Madison Vol Fire Co

SOUP CATEGORY:
3rd Place: Cafe Allegre
2nd Place: Madison Beach Hotel
1st Place: Donahues Madison Beach Grill

Congratulations to all participants and to the chamber for putting on another successful event, We are looking forward to next year!

LT Gabe Balsamo

Fire Fighter of the Year

One of the recipients of the 2018 Connecticut District Exchange Club’s Salute

to Connecticut’s Bravest Award at the October 18th ceremony

Gabe Balsamo joined NMVFC as a junior firefighter in 2006. His initial responses were on his bicycle from his residence on Summer Hill. Over the years, the bicycle was replaced with a Jeep, and he now has a home of his own on Dorset Lane, where he lives with his wife, Kelsey. Rumor has it that his response time is still the same! For the past 6 years, Gabe has served NMVFC as a Lieutenant and has been a major contributor to the department.

After graduating from Hand in 2009, Gabe went on to attend the University of New Haven. He expanded his education in the fire service by studying Fire Science and Arson Investigation along with a minor in Criminal Justice. Gabe has continued to further his education by taking fire service courses and is currently certified at the Fire Service Instructor 1 level.

In addition to being an active Line Officer,  Gabe oversees the company’s fire gear and personal protective equipment, always making sure every firefighter has the proper PPE needed for the job. He also manages the pager program and social media for the department. Gabe brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does. You know that Gabe is around by his loud voice and laughter that can be heard from any part of the firehouse.

Gabe is an outstanding leader and has a strong passion for the fire service. It shows both on and off the fire grounds. He has taken new firefighters under his wing by showing them the ropes and is always available to answer a question no matter what time, day or night. He is regarded by the junior firefighters as a mentor in fire department related activities and has provided guidance in preparing them for college and life in general. Gabe defines the word dedicated.

This past year, Gabe has responded to over 50% total calls for service that included manning the fire station during the March Nor’easters! For his outstanding dedication and service to NMVFC and the North Madison community, we name Gabe Balsamo as our Spirit of the Company recipient and Firefighter of the year recognized at the 2018 Connecticut District Exchange Club’s Salute to Connecticut’s Bravest

These past two Sundays, Santa hopped aboard Engine 10-55 and surprised children throughout North Madison!  (He would have flown, but Rudolph and the other reindeer were in for their pre-flight annual vet check-ups and sky shots, and the flying sleigh needed a fresh coat of thermosphere-proof star glitter).

So many wonder-struck neighbors this year—our best year ever!  Santa stopped by 102 houses with sirens, flashing lights and loud air horns to spread joy and smiles to 180 children and to thank their parents for their generous support of our volunteer fire company.  Participation in our Santa drive was up 40% this year!  We drove Santa, his elves and helpers everywhere!

Many thanks to those of you whose generosity and belief in magic keeps Santa—the REAL Santa!—coming to town year after year.  He told us to tell you HO HO HO and MERRY CHRISTMAS, and to remind you to clean your chimneys for fire safety and easy self-and-elf access.  And make sure all those children to go to bed early Christmas Eve!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and PEACE, JOY and GOOD WILL TO ALL.
–The North Madison Volunteer Fire Company.