Tunxis Hose Company # 1 - Protecting Unionville since 1893: News

Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 News

September 13, 2006
Farmington firefighters get long-awaited contract

By: Lisa Backus, Special to The Herald

FARMINGTON - In a move that officials are saying was long overdue, the Town Council unanimously approved the first contract between the volunteer fire companies and the town which will clearly delineate the long-standing relationship between the two.

Mary-Ellen Harper, the town's director of fire and rescue services, said the document, approved Tuesday, will finally codify the existing practices that have been in place for years and provide a better relationship between the town and the fire companies.

"It's best practices to have a contract," Harper said. "This is simply codifying the agreement and making it clear that we are contracting with them for a service."

Town Manager Kathleen Eagen said in a memo to council members that the contract will ensure that the town comes into compliance with labor and tax laws, and will provide protection for both the town and the fire companies.

The town's three fire departments, East Farms, Farmington and Tunxis Hose Company One are staffed by about 150 volunteer firefighters. The contract pertains to the departments' and the town's responsibility for the fire service. The town also has two satellite stations staffed by the same volunteers and eight career firefighters who are on duty Monday through Friday.

All three fire chiefs worked on the contract and were on hand at the council meeting to support its approval. "It's a very good contract for both sides," said East Farmington Fire Chief Russell Nelson.

The highlights of the contract include changing the way the town reimburses firefighters from $5.50 per hour per call to a flat rate of $6 per call. But each of three major fire departments will receive a $20,000 annual donation to be used as they see fit - which Harper said will be up to the three fire chiefs to disburse.

"They have indicated to me that they will use the money to recruit and retain firefighters," Harper said. "Dollar for dollar, it's not a big shift. This will just allow them to use the money in the best way they see fit."

The contract will also stipulate that the town will maintain all buildings, apparatus and equipment for the fire service and maintain all existing insurance policies for the volunteers.

The town will also retain the right to seek other avenues if all or any of the volunteer companies repeatedly fail to provide fire, rescue and EMS services.

August 5, 2006
Responder: 'They look dead'

By LISA BACKUS, Staff Writer

FARMINGTON - As a long-time Tunxis Hose volunteer firefighter, Brian Hunter Jr. can describe a particular type of medical call that he sees every so often. And Hunter admits that it never ceases to amaze him.

"They look dead, their lips may even be blue," Hunter said. "But when you shoot them with Narcan, they sit straight up and start swinging. A lot of times, they're angry that you messed up their high."

Over the years, as the first responders to a medical emergency, Hunter and his fire company have seen more than a few heroin overdoses. In fact, Hunter said they have a couple of residences in town where they have shown up to respond to a heroin overdose - only to be called to the same location for the same type of call a few months later.

"It is disheartening," Hunter admits. "You bring someone back and within a matter of months, you're at their house again doing the same thing over and over again."

Treatment specialists and police said the problem is that the same attributes that make heroin an attractive mellow high also make it deadly, slowing the heart rate and breathing to dangerous levels. According to an Internet drug index, narcotics such as heroin or morphine depress the nervous system and can induce a coma, respiratory depression and sometimes death.

And heroin is also cheap, readily available and highly addictive.

"I know people who, when they hear about an overdose or a particularly strong batch, will seek out that heroin in particular because they want the strongest stuff possible," said Burlington resident and State Trooper Ray Buthe. "They somehow think they'll never be the ones to die."

A cheaper high

Paul McLaughlin, executive director of the Hartford Dispensary, said heroin is more available now than at any other time. And what his agency is seeing is suburban kids and adults "transitioning" from expensive prescription drugs to heroin as a way to get high less expensively.

"There has been a significant reverse in availability of heroin, it's more available now than ever before," McLaughlin said. "The trend we're seeing is that people start by abusing prescription drugs and then switch to street drugs because heroin is more affordable."

The Hartford Dispensary is the largest drug treatment program under the umbrella of the state Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services. McLaughlin said state-wide, they serve 4,300 clients a day.

The agency opened a clinic in Bristol just over the Farmington line on Route 6 four years ago. The clinic serves clients in 10 towns including Bristol, Farmington, Avon, Canton, Burlington, Harwinton and Simsbury.

"We thought that we would make treatment services more accessible to people in the Bristol area," McLaughlin said. "We started with 125 clients from all 10 towns, now we have 400."

McLaughlin provided figures that indicate in 2005, 93 clients in Farmington, Avon, Burlington, Canton, Harwinton and Simsbury listed their drug of choice as heroin and have sought treatment at either the Bristol or Hartford branch of the Hartford Dispensary. In 1995 the number of clients attending the Hartford Dispensary in Hartford from the same towns who listed heroin as their drug of choice was 17.

Buthe said in addition to the cheap cost, the attraction to heroin is in part based on it's "sleepy" high. "It's not like crack (cocaine) where people get violent, it makes you mellow and sleepy," Buthe said. "A lot of people use it before bed."

Quickly addicted

Buthe said heroin users generally start their addiction the same way: "almost everyone says the first time they used it, they became addicted, it's usually a two- or three-day stint where they use it constantly, by the end of that period, they're hooked."

And Buthe said it's a drug that requires more and more to keep the same level of high. "I have people tell me that they would never inject themselves," Buthe said. "They start by snorting it instead and then they need more and more and wind up injecting."

Police said the other significant issue is the question of quality. Farmington Police Chief James Rio said users don't consider where they are getting the drug from.

"If you sit back and look at this, you have to at some point say to yourself, I'm not buying this from a pharmacist, I'm buying it from a creep," Rio said. "Every time you buy you have no idea what you're getting."

And you have no idea if your next hit will be your last. Hunter said paramedics regularly use a drug called Narcan to rouse heroin addicts from a drug overdose.

If administered in time, Narcan is a narcotic-antagonist, it counters the effect of heroin on the nervous system, bringing the patient back from the brink of death quickly. The result will often induce the roaring jump start back to life that Hunter described. But it will also give the addict the opportunity to get high again.

"We had one situation where we brought a guy back from a heroin overdose and then honored one of our firefighters for the rescue," Hunter said. "Imagine what it was like to go to the same address and do the whole thing over again a few months later."

To seek treatment for drug addictions, call the main branch of the Hartford Dispensary at 527-5100.

July 20, 2006
Annual firefighter's parade introduces tradition to a new generation

By LISA BACKUS, Staff Writer

FARMINGTON - In the lead vehicle, sat 94-year-old Tunxis Hose Company One member "Uncle" Bill Cromack - who has been part of the department for 75 years. Meanwhile, five new firefighters - ages 18 to 21 - donned their dress uniforms to march in their first-ever Tunxis Hose Firemen's parade.

"This has been alive for 114 years," said Tunxis Hose Chief Rick Bouchard. "And we want it to go on forever. It gives us a chance to show how proud we are of our company."

Minutes later, led by a color guard from the Charlie Company First Battalion 25th Marines and St. Peter's Bugle and Drum Corp, 40 members of Tunxis Hose Company One made their way down the hill to the cheers from the hundreds of spectators.

"I'm pretty excited for our company," said 10-year member Scott Thompson as he navigated the Rescue 15 apparatus under the steel bridge in Unionville. "Normally, I'm back the carnival selling ride tickets so this is a nice change."

The Tunxis Hose annual firefighter's carnival and parade is one of a few such events left in the state. Company members said they can trace the history of celebrating the fire department with some type of similar event back at least 114 years.

Every year the carnival draws thousands during its four-day stint to enjoy fireworks, games, rides, food and the annual parade. This year, more than 30 fire departments from the area and five bands marched in the parade vying for several trophies including best apparatus and marching unit.

Since Tunxis Hose sponsors the event, they don't compete. However, they do have an opportunity to lead the parade and receive the applause of a grateful community.

Although his participation in the parade and carnival has spanned decades, Uncle Bill was still happy to don his dress uniform and lead off the department to show his continued support for his fellow firefighters.

"I love the carnival and I love all the events. We've had a lot of good times together," Uncle Bill said. "The fire department keeps me going, I love them all. I haven't met a better bunch of guys than the ones that are in the fire department today."

While Uncle Bill was comfortably seated in Medic 16 - the lead vehicle in the parade - five new firefighters were tugging on their ascots, and straightening out their uniforms to march in their first firefighter parade with their company.

"It's pretty exciting," said Kyle Cunningham, who signed up 10 months ago. "It's a lot of pressure with the first time marching but we're getting a lot of good lessons."

"Stay in step," said veteran firefighter Steve Perrault, 20, who has marched twice before, as Cunningham commented wryly as other newbies, Wayne Petralito, 19, Shawn Testa, 20, Christopher Thomas, 21, and Michael Krenicki, 19, prepared to line up.

"I'm excited to be part of the tradition," Krenicki said. "A couple of veterans told me that when we start walking down the hill the crowd gets excited."

About a mile into the parade, the crowd was exhibiting their enthusiasm with cheers and shouts at the muskets from the band color guards, which fired at regular intervals.

"I like the guns the best. I'm having a good time. Whoa!" shouted 7-year-old Zachary Cheever of Farmington as another round went off.

His buddies, Joshua Pavano, 9, and Travis Abrahamsen, 9, all of West Hartford, all agreed that the weapons were the best part of parade.

"What about the fire trucks?" laughed Travis's mom, Karen, who feared that if their prime parade viewing location was disclosed, everyone would flock to their corner.

"We come with the Pavanos every year," she said. "We bring a picnic and have fun. We don't have a volunteer fire department in West Hartford, but be like to recognize the volunteers serving the community."

July 20, 2006
Fireworks a hit at the annual Tunxis Hose Carnival

By LISA BACKUS, Staff Writer

FARMINGTON - After dusk fell, several thousand spectators proved the show was worth the wait as they watched the sky fill with bursts of red, gold and purple. "I come every year for two things; the fried dough and the fireworks," said New Horizon's resident Denise Woodilla, who was donning her official banner as Miss Wheelchair Connecticut. "I've been coming here for 20 years. Who doesn't love the fireworks? It brings people together."

The annual firemen's carnival is one of a few of its kind left in the state. The event is the primary fundraiser for the Tunxis Hose fire department. During the festivities, thousands come to sample the famous fried dough with sauce made by 94-year-old fire company member "Uncle Bill" Cromack and watch the spectacular fireworks display on opening night.

But the threat of downpours July 12 canceled both the start of the carnival and the fireworks - a fact that could have seriously impacted the fire company's fundraising efforts.

However, Tunxis Hose Fire Chief Rick Bouchard said thanks to a $5,000 donation from the town approved by the Town Council, the worry of having to make up the difference was lessened.

"It helped tremendously," Bouchard said. "When you put on a four-day event and you have to worry about the weather, you also have to worry about the money and this way, we know we'll at least be able to meet all of our obligations."

Bouchard said the carnival successfully opened a day late to a good-sized crowd and by the time the fireworks were set to go off July 14, it looked like things were back to normal.

As thousands of visitors flocked onto the carnival grounds at Union School to wait for the show up above, it was obvious that the rides, games and the food were all part of the attraction as well.

"The lines are long but I like the spinning rides," said 10-year-old Claire King of Farmington as she waited with five friends to ride the giant Ferris wheel. "I came last night, too. This is my fourth year here."

First-time carnival attendee, 11-year-old Maddie Johnson of Avon, also waiting for a turn on the Ferris wheel, gave the event a high rating. "I like all the rides and the cotton candy," Johnson said. "This is my first year and I like it a lot. It's fun."

July 5, 2006
Carnival set to open with bang

By LISA BACKUS, Staff Writer

FARMINGTON - This year's Tunxis Hose Firemen's Carnival and Jamboree will open July 12 at 6 p.m. ready to offer 5,000 pieces of fried dough, rides, games and fireworks later that evening.

The opening will also mark the first time the town has kicked in to help defray the cost of the annual event with its roots tracing back 113 years.

"It's going to help us tremendously," said Tunxis Hose Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hunter Jr. "Hopefully by the end of the year we'll able to purchase some new equipment that we can donate back to the town."

As the fire company's largest fundraiser, the department would try to annually purchase specialized equipment outside the regular fire service budget and donate it back to the town.

But since the state legislature changed gaming laws to prohibit money wheels at local carnivals and events, the department has been struggling to make ends meet and sponsor a large fireworks display opening night.

This year, however, after several years of turning down the request, the Town Council agreed to kick in $5,000 to help with the tab.

The carnival runs from July 12 to July 15, opening each night at 6 p.m. on the grounds of Union School. On July 15, the carnival will open after the annual Firemen's Parade which will feature 30 fire companies from around the area.

Opening night will be punctuated with dozens of big bangs and a shower of colorful sparks when the fireworks kick off at 9:30 p.m. Family night will be held Thursday with opportunities to purchase discounted ride tickets.

Hunter said throughout the entire event, visitors can expect the same traditional Tunxis Hose Carnival fare as in years past. Uncle Bill Cromack will again be in charge of the fried dough sauce and the fire company will be prepared to serve up to 5,000 of the hot and fluffy delicacies.

During the carnival, visitors will also be able to purchase raffle tickets to benefit Tunxis Hose Fire Company Number 1 with top prizes including a John Deere tractor, a stainless steel grill, an Apple Ipod and a 27-inch flat screen color television.

Hunter said raffle tickets will be available each night with the grand prize drawing taking place July 15 at the close of the carnival.

Each year thousands of visitors turn up for the fireworks and the parade. Hunter said the carnival is an annual tradition that both local and area residents love to enjoy.

"I think the fireworks and the fact that it's a reasonable price bring people in," Hunter said. "It's one of the few remaining firemen's carnivals in the state. People can have fun and support firemen at the same time."

For more information, visit www.tunxishose.com/carnival

April 29, 2006
Mock accident makes risks real for students

By LISA BACKUS, Journal Register News Service

FARMINGTON -- The eerie silence after the crash is broken by the sound of sirens. A police radio chatters somewhere in the distance. The rumble of fire trucks moves closer, until the noise stops and a sudden burst of activity punctuates the quiet.

Instructions are shouted. The whir of a helicopter touching down nearby seems like a far-off thought.

The sound of breaking glass alternates with the ripping and crunching of machines forcing metal to give way and break free.

From the back seat, Kathy Helmecki explains that firefighters have one golden hour to free a patient from a car wreck. The hum that shifts and shakes the vehicle is caused by a tool used to cut away twisted doors and a roof.

Meanwhile, Helmecki calmly asks questions and explains what the next sound will be.

"They�re cutting the door, it�s going to peel off away from you," Helmecki says. "The girl on the hood, she�s dead. Life Star is coming but they won�t put her in it because there�s no point. It�s for someone who has a chance of making it."

As Helmecki, an experienced Tunxis Hose firefighter and EMT, continues to talk as fellow firefighters work toextricate the "victim" from the auto wreck, hundreds of Farmington High School students witness first-hand the devastation caused by drinking and driving.

As part of an annual day of safe-driving awareness, Tunxis Hose firefighters staged an accident Friday morning that could only be described as hell on earth. 17-year-old Erin Zukis played the role of a passenger who was ejected on impact from a Jeep carrying a carload of teens to the prom.

Zukis lies face down on the windshield of the car the teens struck head on. Another 17-year-old, Kelly Hughes, is in full prom regalia, as firefighters struggle to get her out of the Jeep before she dies.

Blood is spurting from 17-year-old Craig Suhre�s arm and police are making the driver, 17-year-old Rangy Rivera, walk a straight line. Rivera will eventually be arrested for drunken driving.

"I wanted to be a part of something that could maybe make someone open their eyes and make a better decision" Rivera said before taking his place behind the wheel.

All four teens said they agreed to participate because they wanted their classmates to know the consequences of drinking and driving just as prom and graduation season was beginning.

"I wanted to do this because last year we watched this and they did programs throughout the whole day and it made everyone think and I think it changed some people�s minds," Suhre said.

All four are seniors at FHS and all uniquely understand the perils of drinking and driving. One classmate, Sean Warner, was killed two summers ago in a drinking-and-driving accident. The driver of the car was sentenced to three years in prison a few months ago -- and like Warner, will not be graduating with the rest of the senior class in a few weeks.

In September, dozens of teens were caught at a drinking party just yards from where Warner died. Near the same location, police arrested two adults in early April for supplying dozens of underage kids alcohol at a January birthday party for their son. They are due back in court Tuesday.

Hughes said she "definitely" thinks Farmington has a teen-drinking problem that can only be solved by constant reminders like the mock accident.

"We need to keep getting the message out with days like today where we can try to keep kids from making bad decisions," Hughes said.

Later in the morning, students heard a presentation from John Westhaver, who as a teen suffered burns over 75 percent of his body in a car accident that killed three of his friends. Students also heard from Impact - a group of mothers who have lost teen sons to drinking or irresponsible driving accidents. The school events were organized by health and physical education teacher Chris Machol.

As part of the accident drill, firefighters arrived in full gear after police checked out the call. An ambulance stands waiting and Life Star, a medical transport helicopter, lands within yards of the mock crash.

The demolished cars are donated by Farmington Motorsports. The volunteer firefighters took a day off from work to participate in the drill.

"We hope they walk away from the crash with the thought that they can�t drink and drive," said Tunxis Hose Fire Captain Travis Cromack, who has organized the accident for the past three years. "Hopefully they�ll keep the vision of what went on here in their heads."

The action in the crash is played out in real time -- and in real sequence. The dead are moved but left unattended as firefighters and EMT�s struggle to tend to the most severely injured.

The last step is to extricate the driver of the other vehicle struck by the teens.

The process is carefully orchestrated and requires constant reevaluation.

If a door won�t budge, firefighters cut it away or approach it another way. The roof is finally lifted off 25 minutes later and firefighters flood the vehicle to pull the injured driver out.

By that point, the two teen girls have died and Rivera has been stuffed in the back of a patrol car.

"I was nervous doing it," Rivera said. "But when it was done, I was so happy I was a part of it, even though it was really uncomfortable in the back of the police car."

April 21, 2006
Tunxis Hose Carnival to get town funding

By LISA BACKUS, Staff Writer

FARMINGTON � Thanks to a last minute pitch by Town Council member Jeffery Hogan, the annual Tunxis Hose Firefighter�s Carnival will kick off with a spectacular fireworks display for at least the next two years.

In a last minute move, Hogan requested that the town fund $6,000 in the 2006 � 2007 budget to pay for police protection for the carnival. In recent years, the council has declined to fund any part of the carnival with town money.

�We�re very happy, this will guarantee that the carnival with fireworks will happen for at least the next two years,� said Tunxis Hose Assistant Chief Brian Hunter, Jr. �This is at least the third year we�ve asked for it and we finally got it thanks to Jeff Hogan who wanted to make sure it was in.�

Since the state clamped down on charitable gambling, Hunter and Tunxis Hose Chief Rick Bouchard have said escalating costs for mounting the annual carnival are putting the department in a situation where the amount of money raised is hardly worth the effort.

The carnival used to raise several thousand dollars with a money wheel but can longer use the wheel due to the change in state law. The money wheel was run by the fire department and not by the company hired to provide games.

The four-day carnival features an opening night fireworks display, rides, games, Uncle Bill Cromack�s famous fried dough and a Saturday evening Firemen�s Parade with dozens of fire companies from around the state and the northeast.

For at least the past three years, the council has not agreed to pick up any of the tab for the carnival. Last year after the council again shot down the request, several local companies came forward with donations.

Hunter said the department still has some donation money which they will use to defray the cost of this year�s carnival and the town�s $6,000 donation will ensure that the carnival with fireworks will go off without a hitch next year as well.

Tunxis Hose is one of the last fire companies in the state to sponsor an annual firefighter�s carnival and parade. Any funds raised by the carnival go to the purchase of new equipment for the fire service in town.

Although council members did not discuss including the $6,000 request when they deliberated on the budget in March, Hogan brought the issue up on April 10 just minutes before the council was set to make the final vote to send the $80.3 million budget to referendum.

Council members agreed to fund the $6,000 which will be used for police protection from the police overtime account. The effect will be that the town will pay for the police protection for the carnival rather than the firefighters for the 2007 carnival.

This year�s carnival will kick off with a fireworks display on Wednesday, July 12 and runs through Saturday, July 15 � the evening of the annual Tunxis Hose Firefighter�s Parade.

February 4, 2006
Fire Leaves Authorities Searching For Clues

By GREG SEAY, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- Investigators on Friday probed charred ruins for clues to the cause of a Thursday night blaze that destroyed a house in the Devonwood subdivision, authorities said.

About 55 firefighters from Farmington, Unionville and East Farmington battled for about an hour to bring the 8:15 p.m. fire at 2 Sussex St. under control, said Chief Timothy Vibert of the Farmington Volunteer Fire Department.

The two-story cape, unoccupied when the blaze broke out because it was undergoing renovation, was a total loss, Vibert said. He had no dollar estimate.

Fire Marshal Vincent DiPietro reportedly was on the scene throughout the day Friday as investigators sifted through the ruins for a cause. Vibert said DiPietro was expected to be back on the scene today.

Vibert said no firefighters were injured containing the flames, which were licking through the windows of the house when they arrived four minutes after the alarm. The fire never threatened neighboring houses, the chief said.

He said a number of firefighters were at the station for an officers' meeting when the call arrived, speeding the response.

Vibert said his firefighters were joined by crews from the East Farmington Fire Station and the Tunxis Hose Fire Station. The Avon Fire Department, Plainville Fire Department and Newington Fire Department provided backup coverage, he said.

January 9, 2006
Garage fire damages cars

By LISA BACKUS, Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- A garage fire at a condo complex on the Farmington/Avon town lines damaged several cars Jan. 3 but little else firefighters said.

According to Tunxis Hose Company One assistant chief Brian Hunter, the fire was called in around 5 p.m. by a resident at Farmington Woods who saw smoke but didn�t know where the blaze actually was.

�The call came in as a smoke investigation and the way the condos are laid out, there are two condos above multiple garages,� Hunter said. �It appeared as though one of the garages was on fire but it was actually a storage area in the back of one of the garages.�

Tunxis Hose and Farmington fire departments responded to the scene with mutual aid provided by the Avon volunteer fire department. Hunter said the garages with several cars in them received smoke damage but the condos upstairs were largely unscathed.

�We used a thermal imaging camera to see if the fire had spread to the walls of the condos but it hadn�t,� Hunter said. �In the old days we would have had to rip out the walls to be able to tell if the fire had spread, so there was relatively little damage to the condos above.�

January 8, 2006
Firefighters brave icy water to learn rescue techniques

By LISA BACKUS, Special to The Herald Press

FARMINGTON -- As Dima Brook floundered about in the icy water Saturday morning, firefighter Steven Perrault prepared on the shore of the pond off Lakeshore Road to cross the frozen lake and make a daring rescue.

Arm over arm, Perrault moved quickly but steadily over the ice on his belly. When he arrived at the jagged hole, Perrault slid around in back of Brook, entering the water feet first.

Without the benefit of seeing where he could best lash the victim to his body, Perrault struggled briefly before giving the signal to pull them both to safety.

The temperature was 22 degrees. If it had been a real ice rescue, the firefighters of Tunxis Hose Company One would have checked the victim for signs for hypothermia. Instead, Brook and Perrault traded places and started the action all over again.

"You get a feel for what it�s like to be a victim so you can know how to deal with them," Brook said moments after his "rescue" and seconds before he was called away from the drill to answer a real medical call. "We have to practice, so when the time comes, we�ll know what to do."

Each year the firefighters of Tunxis Hose stage ice and cold water rescue drills to prepare in case they have to face a real tragedy. Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hunter said the winter drill focuses on an ice rescue where a victim has fallen through a frozen pond.

The spring rescue takes place in April when the water is cold and the Farmington River is moving swiftly. The group also does a water rescue drill in the summer with a boat instead of the special cold water suits they used Saturday.

Before they entered the frozen pond, about a dozen firefighters watched videos at the firehouse providing instruction in the use of the suits and how to rescue a victim in frigid conditions. They also reviewed material on how to check victims for hypothermia and what treatment they could provide at the scene.

Meanwhile, Fire Captain and drill instructor Travis Cromack, Hunter and Deputy Chief Richard Higley headed to the "scene" to chop a hole in the ice and prepare for the drill.

"The objective is to teach the new members and the old members how to use the suits, the sled and how to recognize and treat hypothermia," Higley said. "You have to be careful when you bring someone out of the water because they could go into ventricular fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat that could cause a heart attack)."

One by one, the firefighters donned the yellow suits designed not only to keep them warm in the cold water but to keep them afloat. Cromack explained to the group that the suit needs to be "burped" to allow the excess air to be let out at the top otherwise an air bubble could form at the bottom and knock a firefighter feet up instead of head up in the water.

The firefighters would rescue their "victims" with a suit and rope alone -- a more strenuous and daring rescue -- and then do the rescue again using a specially designed sled that moves easily over the ice and can float on water.

"Each firehouse in town has a sled but what if multiple rescues are happening at once?" Hunter asked. "Everyone has to know how to do it with the suit alone."

As the pairs rescued each other, firefighter Todd Litchfield was completely suited up and stationed near the hole about 30 feet from shore just in case the rescuers needed rescuing.

With merely the suit and rope, the firefighters would have to move across the ice to the victim on their bellies using an ice pick in each hand to push forward.

Once there, they would glide behind the victim waiting in the icy water and turn around to enter the hole feet first. In order to buckle the victim to their body, they had to slide their arms around and latch the rope without seeing what they were doing. Then a pat on the top of the head indicated that both could be pulled to safety.

Back on shore, the two would switch places, with rescuer becoming victim. But this time, the sled was in use and the rescue moved with lightening speed as the rescuer didn�t have to go into the water to snatch the victim up and secure him for the ride back.

"It�s a little weird at first until you starting burping your suit," Perrault said minutes after he came out of the icy water. "But you have to train like it�s the real thing because you never know when the real thing is going to happen."

January 4, 2006
Garage Fire Damages Units In Complex

FARMINGTON - A fire that began in a garage bay caused serious smoke damage to two units in the Farmington Woods complex, fire officials said Tuesday.

The blaze affected units 99 through 124 on Mallard Drive in the complex on the Farmington-Avon border. No one was hurt.

When the first firefighters arrived at 4:53 p.m., they saw smoke coming out of six garage bays, Lt. Todd Litchfield of the Tunxis Hose fire station said. A fire was found in one corner of one of the bays and was quickly extinguished, he said.

The fire never spread beyond the bays, said Rick Bouchard, chief of the Tunxis Hose Fire Department.

Smoke damage to Unit 117 - right above the fire - forced a female resident to find another place to spend the night, Bouchard said. She is staying with relatives, he said.

The fire marshal was at the scene, trying to determine the cause of the fire. Firefighters from Farmington and Avon responded to the alarm.

December 20, 2005
Tunxis Hose Co. Honors Members

FARMINGTON - The Tunxis Hose Co. in Unionville has honored several members with its 2005 service awards for members' service and contributions through the year.

Lt. Dan Wentworth was named firefighter of the year at a recent awards banquet. Chief Rick Bouchard, Assistant Chief Brian Hunter Jr. and Lt. Todd Litchfield were recognized for meritorious service for their efforts at a gasoline tanker rollover accident.

Firefighter Larry Sanderson was recognized for meritorious service for performing CPR and saving a person. Lt. Felicity Crowell was recognized for best use of technical skills.

Two firefighters, Mike Nolan and Brian Bonati, were recognized with the achievement award for completing basic firefighting training.

Seven firefighters - Stephen Froberg, Larry Sanderson, Erwin Krause, Stephen Perrault, Mike Saxton, Rich Palmer and Chris Scott - received the recognition award for their work at the gasoline tanker rollover.

Litchfield, Froberg, Nolan, Perrault, Bonati, Palmer and firefighters Donald Perrault III and Richard Pylkowski were given recognition awards for their work at a medical call involving Life Star medical helicopter.

The chief's award went to Wentworth, Lt. Scott Thompson and Perrault.

November 19, 2005
Fire leaves home uninhabitable
By AMY V. TALIT, The Bristol Press

BURLINGTON -- A Hull Road home was severely damaged Friday as fire swept through the structure and left it uninhabitable, but firefighters were able to save several animals living in the house.

Jeff Bond, EMS captain for the fire department, said a neighbor on Hull Road called 911 shortly before 11:30 Friday morning to report fire and smoke at a neighbor�s house.

When firefighters arrived at the scene and saw the severity of the fire, Chief Chris Brewer requested mutual aid engines from Tunxis Hose in Unionville; Harwinton; Harwinton Westside and an engine and ladder truck from Bristol to assist his department in extinguishing the flames.

Officials say the cause of thefire, in the home owned by John Thayer, was determined to be accidental, though it is still under investigation. Bond said the Thayers were not home at the time of the fire and it is not known where they will reside until their home is rebuilt.

According to Bond, the flames were extinguished within 40 minutes of firefighters arriving on scene, and the mutual aid companies were all released to return to their towns by 1:30 p.m. Town firefighters remained on scene until about 2:30 p.m. to clean up and ensure all flames were fully extinguished.

The initial investigation revealed the fire appeared to have started in the chimney and then spread to the attic of the home. Bond said a wood stove was in use at the time, and sparks from that stove may have caused the fire.

Bond confirmed that there was no one injured during the fire.

November 11, 2005
Early morning fire wakes resident
By LISA BACKUS Staff Writer

FARMINGTON � Firefighters said a Plainville Avenue resident awoke Monday morning to find her electric blanket and bed had gone up in flames as she was sleeping � and still in the bed.

According to firefighters, the woman said she awoke because her room seemed �unusually bright� for that time of day � and then realized that her bedding was in flames with her still wrapped in it.

�She realized it was the electric blanket and tried to put it out by pouring water on it,� Tunxis Hose Fore Company Asst. Chief Brian Hunter, Jr. said. �When that didn�t work, she called 911 and tossed the blanket out of the second story window.�

Hunter said he and a team from Tunxis Hose had just finished at a car fire in Unionville when they received the call for a house fire on Plainville Ave. Hunter said he arrived to find smoke bellowing from a second story window and flames coming from what he thought was the basement or the second story of the house. The incident occurred at about 6:50 a.m.

�The mattress was still on fire in her room and since she had tossed the blanket out the window, while it was still plugged in, it was dangling until the fire burned through the cord,� Hunter said. �The blanket then fell into a pile of leaves and that started burning.�

Hunter said within minutes the fire company was able to extinguish the mattress after bringing it outside and he put out the blanket with the resident�s garden hose. Hunter said the damage was contained to the woman�s bedroom.

Police said the woman received minor injuries but declined medical treatment at the scene. Farmington police and firefighters from Tunxis Hose, Farmington station and East Farms responded to the call. Avon firefighters covered the Tunxis Hose station while the company was at the scene.

October 16, 2005
Farmington responds to rainfall
By LISA BACKUS, Special to The Herald Press

FARMINGTON -- More than a week of heavy rain finally took its toll on local roads and basements after police reported flooding in several areas, leaving homeowners and firefighters to pump out the overflow.

"We�ve been at it for 15 hours straight," said Tunxis Hose Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hunter Jr. "We�ve been up all night. It was one call after another to have basements pumped out."

Hunter said his company pumped out 13 basements including nearby Sanford & Hawley lumber company which sustained minor damage when the brook under the building began to rise taking lumber with it.

"The logs were lodged against the gate and took it down," said store manager John Horoho. "We have all pumps running at the moment."

Company owner Bob Sanford said his brother received a call at about 1 a.m. from Edwards Motor Service as they were doing wrecker calls in the area.

"They said we should come down and take a look because we may have a problem," Sanford said. "There was more water than the brook could handle. We had several feet of water in the basement. At 2:30 this morning, we didn�t think we�d be open for business on time today, but we made it."

The lumber yard is located at the intersection of West Avon Road and Route 4. Tunxis Hose firefighters also pumped out several basements on West Avon Road when the brook threatened to encroach on local homes.

The town�s other fire stations also spent the evening pumping out basements and by morning police reported several roads closed but no major damage or problems.

By 10 a.m., Meadow Road from just beyond Garden Street to nearly Tunxis Mead Park was under several feel of water that stretched from the river to corn fields across the road.

Police also reported road closures at Talcott Notch from the aqueduct to Old Mountain Road, Morea Road at the Bristol town line, Johnson Avenue at the Plainville town line, New Britain Road from Coppermine Road to Red Oak Hill Road and High Street between Route 4 and Mountain Road.

The Farmington River was raging by as Avon resident Wes Todd sat with his cup of coffee under an tent outside Apricots Restaurant.

"I come here often to read the paper and I�ve never seen the river like this," Todd said. "I wasn�t living in this area during the flood of 1955, but I see those signs on Route 4 and I can�t even imagine what it was like."

August 17, 2005
Council Veteran To Run On Own Line
Served As Republican and Democrat, Will Now Be A Petitioning Candidate
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- A familiar face plans to seek a seat on the town council this fall, but without an endorsement from either of the major parties.

Bernard B. Erickson, 58, plans to run as a petitioning candidate and has submitted paperwork with 40 signatures to election officials.

Erickson served three terms on the council. He was elected to his first term as a Republican, but switched parties. He was a Democrat for his next two terms.

He said Tuesday that he's again a registered Republican, but opted to run as a petitioning candidate.

If elected, Erickson said his focus will be on the taxpayers and providing them with tax relief.

With fuel prices climbing skyward, many are having a tough time with household expenses. So it's important for town leaders to hold the line on spending and to give taxpayers a break, he said.

"We've been digging in their pockets enough," Erickson said. "It's time to give them a break for a while."

One project under consideration that needs to be delayed is the replacement of town hall, he said. Erickson served on the building committee that determined about $7 million in renovations were necessary for the building. A second committee proposed razing the town hall and building a new one at a price tag of up to $12 million.

Now, however, is just not the time for such an expense, Erickson said.

"Just because someone wants to have the town hall a little prettier or better looking is no reason to build a town hall," Erickson said. "It's better for the taxpayers to leave some of that money in their pockets."

Those who favor building a new town hall say aesthetics are only part of the reason to build a new town hall. They cite water leaks, inadequate mechanical systems and cramped workspaces.

Erickson said he thinks the town needs to re-evaluate its economic development work and consider hiring a full-time person to lead the efforts. The position is now part-time.

"We need to fight for the tax dollars going to other towns," he said. The town must add to its grand list so that money town leaders want to spend is available without hurting taxpayers, he said.

"Let's bring some money back into the town and raise the grand list," Erickson said. "Then we'll have the money."

Erickson also said he hopes to organize a forum where all council candidates will appear before citizens and answer questions directly from those who will vote.

Erickson, who works as assistant service manager for the Frank A. Cadwell Oil Co., has a long record of public service in town. He served as a volunteer firefighter and chief of the Tunxis Hose Company in Unionville.

August 10, 2005
History separates Unionville
By ERIC REED, Special to The Herald

Somewhere through the middle of Farmington runs an invisible line. On one side is Farmington, sometimes referred to as Farmington Village or just the Village, and on the other is Unionville. No signs mark the divide between two of the Town of Farmington�s three boroughs, and everyone seems to have a different idea of just where to draw that line. The two sections of town share a high school, a police department and a town government. Yet there is a Unionville, complete with its own post office and volunteer fire department, and many locals have grown up feeling as much or more a resident of Unionville as a resident of Farmington.

For citizens, the distinction between Unionville and Farmington becomes a tacitly recognized fact. The line may be different for everyone, although an official map outlining the boundaries of the boroughs hangs in the Town Planner�s Office. But, there is a common feel for what characterizes each section of the community.

"Farmington village is now serene, agricultural, colonial, that 20th-century version of colonial," Lisa Johnson, resident and executive director of the Stanley Whitman House museum in Farmington, said. "Unionville is vigorous, entrepreneurial, bustling, I would say multicultural, and it represents that industrial period where anything was possible."

From her vantage point as a historian and resident in the 21st century, Johnson, as have many, echoed a sentiment that the town has shared for over 100 years.

"The two voting districts made �an ill-assorted couple,�" Christopher Bickford wrote in his 1982 book "Farmington in Connecticut." "The eastern end of town was �old, quiet, historic, and agricultural,� whereas, Unionville was �young, bustling and manufacturing.�"

Farmington Village was founded in the latter half of the 17th century, a massive affair which encompassed the towns we know today as Avon, Plainville, Burlington, Southington, Bristol, Berlin and New Britain. Unionville as a concept began somewhat later, in the early 19th century and was originally, according to Johnson, called Langdon�s Quarters after the local business Langdon�s Inn.

"Unionville was really established around 1820ish," Johnson said. "The first real thing was a lumber mill where Sanford and Hawley is now."

In fact, according to local historians, the oldest businesses in Farmington are in the Unionville borough, including the Sanford and Hawley lumber mill and Parson�s Hardware.

The borough cycled through three separate names during the early 19th century, moving from Langdon�s Quarters to Lovelytown. A local newspaper article finally gave the area the name which it bears today.

"In 1831 the Connecticut �Courant� introduced its readers to the name of Unionville," Bickford wrote. "The paper took notice of a July Fourth celebration in the community by explaining that Unionville was �a village in the west part of Farmington composed principally of farmers and mechanics.�"

Despite the fact that the Village and Unionville are two sections of the same town, residents say that some real differences do exist. Unionville began as a mill town, the industrial section of Farmington where factories grew around the Farmington River�s water power and people moved in to work those factories. At the same time, the Village maintained its older, colonial and wealthier population. Some elements of those early years still exist today.

"I know people have broken it down economically and said Unionville is blue collar, and this part of town is higher economically, but I�m not sure you can do that anymore," Johnson said. "(But) it�s also true that a house in the Village commands much more money than a house in Unionville."

Unionville and the Village have had a cyclical relationship in the past, including a late 19th-century attempt by residents of the Village to separate Unionville and Farmington into two completely separate towns. Sparring between the two boroughs continues to this day. For many residents, this distinction is, as Johnson explains it, "part of the game." Yet, for some, traces of a real rift remain, one which can be traced to far more modern origins than the 19th Century.

"I always look at 1966 when Farmington got urban renewal funds," Johnson said.

In the 1960s, the town of Farmington received money for an urban renewal project, and proceeded to create a new business center which is today known as Unionville Center. However in order to accomplish this, the land had to be cleared. Homes, old mills, even the old Town Hall were burnt to the ground, according to local historians, in order to make way for the project.

"I think that was actually pretty traumatic for people because what was built in its place had no local heart at all," Johnson said. "That may actually have created a kernel then."

Yet for the most part, beyond the occasional "Unionville and Proud" bumper sticker, few residents even notice the line as they cross it during their daily errands.

"I�m not sure if it really has any, these two different identities, if it really has any day-to-day impact today," Johnson said. "Part of this is that you�ve had a massive influx of new people over the last three decades."

Still, residents will caution you not to send a letter to a Farmington address with a Unionville zip code on it.

July 30, 2005
Raffle Winners Named By Firefighters

Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 has announced the raffle winners in its annual carnival. Rich Dapra of Farmington won the John Deere tractor, the McAuliffe Family of Farmington won a Charbroil Stainless Steel Gas Grill, Carol Cunningham of Unionville won a 32� Toshiba Television, Diana Sayers of West Hartford won a $250 gift certificate to Stop & Shop and Norwood Family of Unionville won a Sony Digital Camera.

July 15, 2005
Letter to the Editor
On behalf of the Officers and Members of Tunxis Hose Company No. 1, I would like extend my sincere appreciation and thanks to the residents and businesses of the Town of Farmington, and surrounding communities for their support of our carnival which took place this past week. As evidenced by the crowds that turned out throughout the week, and most notably Wednesday night for the fireworks and Saturday night for the parade, it was made clear to us that there is a desire for a community event of this nature to continue.

We would especially like to thank Sanford & Hawley, Farmington Savings Bank, and Wirth and Sons (owner of the local Dunkin Donuts) for their generous donations of $2,500.00 to fireworks fund. In addition, we would like to thank businesses like Landmark Distinctive Outdoor Environments and Sheila Moses CPA, as well as private individuals including Louis Carlson for their significant contributions. To date, local businesses and many citizens have donated a total of $9,280.00 to the fund, insuring that the fireworks are a part of our community tradition for the coming years. It is the foresight of people like these residents and businesses that make what we do even more rewarding.

Donations and proceeds from fundraising activities like this one have allowed us to purchase much needed equipment as well as supplemental accident insurance for our members. It is with the support of local businesses and community residents that allow us to continue to deliver a high level of service to the residents of Unionville and the Town of Farmington.

Thank you for your support.

Rick Bouchard
Chief
Tunxis Hose Company No. 1
(860) 675-2534

July 14, 2005
Tunxis Hose Fire Company honors former chief
By:Lisa Backus , Correspondent

Wilson served as chief of the company from 1978 to 1986. He joined the company as an auxiliary member in 1958 and became a full member of the company in 1961.

Wilson quickly rose through the ranks, serving as secretary, 1st lieutenant, captain and assistant chief before becoming chief. He retired from the fire company in May of 1986 after serving for 25 years as a Tunxis Hose firefighter.

Wilson was a life-long resident of Farmington and worked as a fire protection engineer for Insurance Services Offices for 30 years before retiring.

Current Tunxis Hose Fire Chief Rick Bouchard said he credited Wilson with providing the leadership and skills that allowed him to rise to the ranks of chief himself.

"I feel I'm chief today because of Dick Wilson," Bouchard said. "He was the smartest chief to ever serve the town of Farmington."

Town firefighters said Wilson left an indelible mark on the company, leading to greater fire training for all volunteers. "Dick Wilson was responsible for a lot of volunteers becoming career firefighters because of the training he provided," said town career firefighter Rich Pylkowski who started as a volunteer in 1977. "This is a great loss to the town. If anyone ever knew the whole world of firefighting, it was Dick Wilson. He knew how to do everything."

The fire company learned of Wilson's passing as they were preparing to open their annual Firefighter's Carnival, which includes a Firefighter's Parade.

Bouchard announced at the carnival that the parade would be dedicated in Wilson's memory. The cancellation of the carnival on Friday, July 8 due to rain allowed a full contingent of town firefighters to attend Wilson's wake.

His funeral service was held the morning of July 9, and included Wilson's favorite drum corp, which also led the company during the annual Firefighter's Parade.

Hours later, the Tunxis Hose Fire Company One marched down the hill on Route 177 to lead the parade and paused in front of the reviewing stand to pay tribute to Wilson.

"Chief Wilson has left a legacy behind that is evident in every Chief that has followed him with their dedication and service to the community," Bouchard told the crowd. "We will forever be grateful for his tenure in the department, for the leadership he provided, the countless lives saved, and hundreds of firefighters who learned their skills from one of the best."

Wilson leaves behind four children, two grandchildren and several family members and friends.

July 11, 2005
Man Dies In Swimming Accident
Victim, Friends Had Been Crossing River
By STEVE GRANT, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- A 29-year-old man swimming with family and friends disappeared in the waters of the Farmington River Sunday afternoon and drowned, authorities said.

Farmington police identified the man as Carlos Ortiz, 29, of New Britain.

Authorities said they were told Ortiz swung out over the river on a rope and plunged into the river. He surfaced and began swimming across the river with two companions, but then slipped below the water, authorities said.

"I heard there were six or eight people trying to get him, but they couldn't," said Gary Antigiovanni, assistant chief of the Farmington Fire Department. "He went down too quick."

Divers recovered Ortiz's body around 7:45 p.m., in a deep pocket of the river near where he was last seen. It was more than four hours after he was reported missing.

Antigiovanni said Ortiz disappeared in an area of Tunxis Mead Park, off Meadow Road in a placid section of river, though the current was swift in places.

Fire and rescue crews from Farmington, Avon, Burlington and Plainville, the state police and the University of Connecticut Health Center responded. Searchers combed the surrounding waters for several hours.

A Life Star helicopter assisted in the search during the afternoon. Specially trained search dogs were used into the evening.

Antigiovanni estimated as many as 60 people helped.

Ortiz's body was taken to the office of the state medical examiner in Farmington for an autopsy.

The area where the man drowned was just outside the park, but swimming is allowed there, Antigiovanni said.

July 9, 2005
Building To Be Razed Soon
Fire Destroyed Dunkin' Donuts May 7; New One Will Be Built
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- The Dunkin' Donuts restaurant destroyed by fire May 7 may be razed next week, Town Manager Kathleen Eagen said Friday.

Eagen said that Frank Wirth, the shop's owner, has been working diligently since the fire to have the building removed, but a number of requirements must be satisfied before the town can issue a demolition permit.

Several insurance companies have been involved, and Wirth has had to deal with utility companies, Eagen said. Wirth said he had to get a letter from Connecticut Light & Power Co. saying power to the building has been cut off and Connecticut Natural Gas had to certify the removal of a gas meter.

He also had to have proof there was no asbestos in the building.

"All those things take time," Wirth said. "The rules are the rules."

Wirth said he is eager to have the gutted building removed, and to begin construction on a new store.

"Frustration is not the word," he said of the delay. "We want to get it built."

Wirth hopes to have a new restaurant opened by November or December.

The fire-damaged building and four incinerated cars, all surrounded by a chain-link fence, have become an eyesore and even a traffic hazard, one nearby business owner said.

Motorists slow down to view the wreckage, causing traffic jams, said Mario Nicolaou, owner of the Pizza Pomodoro restaurant next door. "They need to knock it down, get rid of it, so it can look nicer," Nicolaou said. "Most of the vendors around here would like to see it gone."

Since the fire, Wirth has kept the employees who worked at the Farmington Avenue shop working at other stores he owns. He has also heard words of support from many customers.

"I want to thank all those loyal customers because without them we're zippo," Wirth said. "We're anxious to get going."

Wirth contributed $2,500 to the Tunxis Hose Co. in Unionville to help cover the cost of fireworks at the fire company's annual carnival. Wirth said he did not make that contribution because of the fire, but because the firefighters do so much for the town and because the fireworks display is important to Unionville.

"We didn't want them to go without fireworks," Wirth said.

The fire on May 7 occurred after a power line fell from a pole in front of the store and started a parked car on fire. The fire spread to three more cars and the building. No one was injured.

CL&P has said an "equipment failure" caused the wire to fall.

July 5, 2005
Carnival Given 2 $2,500 Gifts
Donations Will Cover The $5,000 Bill For Fireworks
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- Two more businesses have stepped forward to help Unionville firefighters put on the fireworks show at their annual carnival, which begins Wednesday.

The fireworks, which cost about $5,000, have been threatened the past couple of years by declining profits at the carnival. To help cover the cost of the fireworks, which firefighters and others say provide an economic boost to the town by drawing in thousands of people, firefighters asked for help.

This week Farmington Savings Bank and Wirth & Sons Inc., owner of several local Dunkin' Donuts stores, made donations of $2,500 each.

Several citizens have also made donations to volunteers with the Tunxis Hose Company, exceeding the amount needed this year, said Todd Litchfield, a fire department spokesman.

The remaining funds will be placed in a separate account to pay for the fireworks next year, Litchfield said.

Sanford & Hawley Inc. made the initial $2,500 donation to the fire department last week.

"We just felt it would be a good thing to do for the community," said John Hangen, senior vice president and treasurer of Farmington Savings Bank. The bank has supported the fire department in the past and views doing so as a good use of money.

Frank Wirth, whose company has Dunkin' Donuts franchises in Farmington, Unionville, East Granby and Simsbury, could not be reached for comment Friday.

The fire department uses money it raises during the carnival to cover expenses not paid for by the town, such as supplemental insurance for the volunteers and some equipment.

The volunteers also use money raised during the carnival to put on Halloween and Christmas parties for local children.

This year's carnival kicks off Wednesday on the Union School grounds in Unionville and runs until next Saturday. The carnival begins about 6 p.m. and runs through 11 p.m., Litchfield said.

The annual firefighters parade is scheduled for 6 p.m. next Saturday. Litchfield said 31 fire companies, 450 marchers and several bands are expected.

On Thursday, family night at the carnival, children can ride as many rides as they want with the purchase of a $12 bracelet.

Food, including fried dough, sausage burgers, hot dogs and hamburgers, will be available each night.

June 23, 2005
Local Firm Offers Funds
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- A longtime Unionville business has stepped forward to provide half the funding for the fireworks display at Tunxis Hose Company's 112th anniversary carnival.

Paying for the fireworks display, which costs about $5,000, has become difficult for the fire department. The carnival itself is a fundraiser, but costs have continued to climb and the volunteer firefighters have considered canceling the event.

Last year, two local businessmen stepped forward to pay for the fireworks. This year, Sanford & Hawley Inc., a lumber and building materials company, will contribute $2,500.

"The fire department is an organization that's vitally necessary in town," said Frank Sanford, the company's vice president. "It's not just house fires. They help with auto accidents, flooded basements and any number of other things. Most people probably assume their tax dollars fund them, but that's only part of the funding."

The firefighters rely on the carnival to raise money that enables them to buy equipment not covered by the town budget. In recent years, the annual take has been declining as costs have increased.

The firefighters asked the town council to contribute $5,000 for the carnival to cover the fireworks because the fireworks draw so many people to Farmington. And while the council initially agreed to include that money in the budget, it was eliminated after voters rejected the budget at referendum.

"We enjoy the carnival and the fireworks ourselves and want to contribute to keeping that tradition going," Sanford said.

Sanford & Hawley decided to step forward with a portion of the fireworks' cost and he's hoping other businesses and citizens step forward to provide the remaining $2,500.

Sanford & Hawley, established in 1884, has deep roots in Unionville. Sanford's great-grandfather was one of the local men who started the volunteer fire department.

"We've had ties so to speak with the fire department for a long, long time," Sanford said. "Of course, being in the lumber business you like to have a nice reliable fire department in case of a problem."

Donations can be sent to Tunxis Hose Company No. 1, P.O. Box 215, Unionville, CT 06085.

May 26, 2005
Driving the reality home
By:Lisa Backus, Correspondent

As paramedics unsuccessfully tried to save the life of a Farmington High School senior still dressed in a flowing prom outfit as she lay across the hood of the cars, firefighters had to cut the roofs and doors off both vehicles to rescue two other injured victims - one in a prom gown and one in a tuxedo - trapped inside.

A fourth student, the driver of the car that police believe caused the crash, was charged with drinking and driving. Handcuffed, he sat in the back of a police car as firefighters worked diligently to save his date and two other classmates. He will likely face manslaughter charges in the death of the girl ejected from the car.

The scene was straight out of every parent's nightmare - but fortunately it was created to prevent that nightmare from becoming a reality. Last Friday morning, more than 650 members of the Farmington High School junior and senior classes witnessed a mock accident to drive home the dangers of drinking and driving in time for prom season and graduation.

"We are trying to send a message," said FHS Principal Kevin Ryan. "Kids are more likely to make bad decisions this time of year. We hope to raise awareness about the effects of drinking and driving but also unsafe driving in general."

The accident was the first event in a day-long program of workshops and speakers designed to give students a realistic view of what will happen if they cause an accident while driving irresponsibly. Later in the day, students attended workshops sponsored by Survive The Drive, Stop Trauma and a presentation by !MPACT, Mourning Parents ACT, a group of parents whose children died as a result of irresponsible driving.

Firefighters from Tunxis Hose Company One showed up to put the final touches on the scene as students were arriving for school. Two smashed cars faced each other in the field next to the library so students could get a better view from the hill.

Four students who volunteered to portray victims were set in place - one laying on the hood of the cars with a hole smashed in the windshield. Three others were placed inside the cars, which were nearly smashed beyond recognition. The scene was then covered in blue tarps to allow firefighters to unveil the accident after more than 650 students from the junior and senior classes were instructed to stand on the hill to watch the unfolding tragedy.

As hundreds of students gathered, one of the victims, glad in a tuxedo, exited a car and stumbled about as he ran from car to car to see if his fellow prom attendees were still alive.

A loudspeaker broadcast play-by-play every step involved in responding to an accident scene from the first call to the police, to the sirens approaching from the distance to arrival of paramedics who frantically gave CPR to the girl draped across the hood of the car.

Meanwhile, police Sergeant Paul Lemieux gave the driver of the car believed to have caused the accident a field sobriety test in full view of the crowd. Firefighters covered the victims trapped in the car with blankets before they pulled out actual extrication tools and cut away the roof and the doors.

All the action took place in real time - a fact that stunned viewers, many of whom had no idea what an actual accident scene looked like. "This is really intense. It's scary," said 16-year-old FHS junior Dana Maurer, who will be attending the school's junior prom this weekend. "I didn't expect it to be like this. It really brought it right in your face."

That was the point said event organizer Travis Cromack, a captain with the Tunxis Hose Fire Department. "I hope they walk away with the thought that after prom they decide not to drink and drive because the results can be tragic," Cromack said. "We did this last year with just the senior class and a talk with a group called !MPACT, but this year we decided to have more kids and do it on the hill where they all could see."

Students did get a full view of all the action, including the stretcher carrying the girl who had been ejected from the car draped in a white sheet to signify she had perished.

Students also heard the call to Life Star helicopter to transport one other student who had also been gravely injured in the crash. As Life Star circled over the high school, several students on the hill whipped out their cell phones to take a quick shot of the helicopter as it landed nearby.

"It really puts it in perspective," said 17-year-old junior Ryan Pasler. "For one thing, you wouldn't want to drink and drive, for another, you see that the kid who was arrested will have to live with the knowledge he killed his classmate who probably was one of his friends."
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April 16, 2005
Red Cross To Recognize 19 As Heroes
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- The Greater Hartford chapter of the American Red Cross plans to honor 19 people as local heroes, including a Farmington firefighter, a West Hartford school principal recently back from serving with the Army in Iraq and a Simsbury physician.

The 19 will be honored May 31 at a fundraising banquet at the Aqua Turf in Southington. The event seeks to honor those whose actions epitomize the mission of the American Red Cross: teaching people to save lives, and helping people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies.

They include Travis Cromack, a firefighter with Tunxis Hose Co. No. 1 of Unionville, who was cited for heroic work on emergency calls, including one in which he and another firefighter performed CPR on a woman to save her life. He has also worked behind the scenes on programs to discourage young people from drinking and driving.

Donald J. Slater, principal of Hall High School in West Hartford and a major with the Connecticut Army National Guard, was cited for service to the country for his tour in Iraq. He served 18 months in Iraq as commander of the headquarters support company of the 118th Medical Battalion.

Dr. Nathan Hagstrom of West Simsbury is being honored for his "tireless and compassionate" work with children suffering from cancer and bleeding disorders. Hagstrom is a pediatric oncologist and pediatric hematologist at Connecticut Children's Medical Center in Hartford.

Phillip Goulet is being honored for pulling two young women from their burning car, saving their lives, then rushing them to Charlotte Hungerford Hospital in Torrington. Goulet, a college student from Winsted, is being honored as the 2004 Youth Good Samaritan for his actions.

Also being honored is Abby, a 14-year-old yellow Labrador mix owned by Dr. Robert Martin, formerly of West Hartford. Martin, retired chief of oncology at Hartford Hospital, used the dog in a pet therapy program at the hospital.

Tickets to the banquet are $75 and are available from the Charter Oak chapter of the American Red Cross. For tickets, call Betty Dugan at 860-678-2813.

March 25, 2005
Fire Doused At Photo Studio
But Sprinkler Causes Water Damage By JESSE LEAVENWORTH, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- A sprinkler quickly doused a fire Thursday morning at a Unionville photography studio, though several neighboring businesses sustained water damage in the process.

No one was hurt in the blaze, which Fire Marshal Vincent DiPietro said was caused by a poorly spliced cord to an electric space heater.

At about 10 a.m., firefighters responded to a report of smoke at 45 S. Main St., a former factory building that houses several businesses. A section of Route 4 was closed for about 20 minutes as firefighters laid hoses across the street, and businesses were evacuated briefly while firefighters vented the building, police said.

But the fire at Nadeau Photography, on the second floor of the building, was doused by a single sprinkler head that had been installed at least 50 years before the building was the Myrtle Mills textile factory, DiPietro said.

The sprinkler was on for about 10 minutes, pumping about 30 gallons a minute, and the water flowed through the photography studio and into several businesses on the first floor, fire officials said.

Norman Nadeau said he had been shoveling snow outside the building when he went upstairs, opened the door to his studio and found the place full of smoke. Nadeau said the fire was contained to a small area and he did not lose any equipment or photographs.

Firefighters were using water vacuums to clean up the building later Thursday, Tunxis Hose Assistant Fire Chief Brian Hunter Jr. said.

The damaged businesses included the Chang An Chinese Kitchen and an Age of Video store.

February 9, 2005
Tunxis Hose Assistant Chief Named Firefighter Of Year
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer

FARMINGTON -- A citizen organization and the town council honored Brian Hunter Jr. Tuesday as firefighter of the year.

Hunter, 30, the assistant chief of Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 of Unionville, was commanding officer at several serious fires, rescues and medical emergencies during 2004, fire officials said.

Hunter, along with firefighter Travis Cromack, responded to one call last spring about a woman in cardiac arrest. They began CPR and used a defibrillator to treat the woman. After UConn Health Center paramedics arrived, the firefighters continued to assist, and the woman survived.

"He just has that ability to take command, whether it's on a committee or a fire scene," said Brian Litchfield, a spokesman for the Tunxis Hose Company. "His type of leadership is one that motivates everybody. You've got leaders and followers in every organization, and he's truly a leader."

Hunter joined the fire department in 1996 as a firefighter/EMT and has gradually risen through the ranks, serving as lieutenant and captain.

Resident Sam Iritano, representing Citizens for Community Action, presented Hunter with a statue of a firefighter holding a child. "Brian and all firefighters, especially volunteers, personify the true meaning of dedication," Iritano said.

In addition to serving as a commander at emergency scenes, Hunter plays an active role in the fire company's management by leading committees and managing the department's website.

"Brian has charged several committees, including one which was responsible for the purchase of a state-of-the-art pumper/tanker to be put into service at Tunxis Hose station," Litchfield said.

Hunter also was honored recently at a Farmington Exchange Club banquet for his volunteer efforts with the department.

February 4, 2005
Farmington firefighter continues family tradition, garnering honors
By TRICIA STUART, Special to The Bristol Press

FARMINGTON -- Continuing in the family tradition, Brian Hunter Jr., assistant chief of Tunxis Hose Company No. 1, is a volunteer firefighter.His great grandfather was a firefighter; his uncle and five cousins are firefighters.

And now Hunter is being recognized for continuing the family�s heritage.

On Tuesday, he will be awarded the 2004 Town of Farmington Fire Fighter of the Year Award at the Town Council meeting.

Hunter is commended for his ability to think on his feet and direct fire and rescue services calmly and safely. He has also been awarded the 2004 Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 Meritorious Service Award for initiating CPR and using an automatic external defibrillator to save the life of a woman in full cardiac arrest last spring.

"I was lucky to become a firefighter in the first year of college and I have been here since," Hunter said.

The most challenging aspect of being a volunteer firefighter, Hunter said, is "the time that it takes and the commitment that you make. I�m at the fire station every night and balancing that with my family and my job."

He said he feels rewarded that he has initiated CPR twice and that both people survived.

Training is continuous for a firefighter and volunteers are trained twice a month in firefighting and rescue drills.

"We have to go through live fire training and blood-borne pathogens (diseases such as AIDs and hepatitis). If we become infected, we have to know how to report that. It�s required by OSHA [the Occupational Safety and Health Administration] because any call we get we could get exposure," he said.

Firefighters are also specially trained in how to handle hazardous material such as gas or nitrogen spills.

"If I anticipate I�m going to be the first there, then I�m already planning it, what the situation is going to be and how I�m going to handle it. It�s applying the knowledge to do your best and to mitigate the situation. People are eager to do what they can to improve a bad situation," Hunter said.

Hunter established a mentoring program this year in the two aspects of being a volunteer firefighter: the actual firefighting and, since it is a volunteer organization, instruction in holding fund-raising events for new members. Much of the equipment in Farmington is acquired through volunteer efforts.

The University of Connecticut Medical Center responds to the majority of medical calls but Farmington fire and rescue assists in many cases. Farmington and nearby towns assist each other through interagency cooperation.

"It�s an interagency cooperation where we work with paramedics and the police department and other towns on a regular basis," Hunter said.

The gas-tanker rollover in November on Brickyard Road was the largest interagency cooperative effort that Hunter has seen so far. He said it involved the state Department of Environmental Protection, the federal Environmental Protection Agency, the utility companies, the Salvation Army, the highway department, the director of public works, the town manager, Avon�s fire department, Newington�s fire department, and the Farmington police department, to name a few.

"Regardless of the agency, we all are trained and know how to work together well," Hunter said.

"We might have 10 to 12 fires in a year. We�ve had three this month. More than half are medical calls. We do car accidents. We train on water accidents. There are fire alarms from cooking, and shower steam sets it off.That�s a lot of the calls, and the number of calls just keeps increasing every year," he said.

"I�m proud to be a member of Tunxis Hose and a member of the Farmington Fire Department. The department is great," Hunter said. "My family always has been supportive. My fianc�e is supportive even when I�m called away from home at dinner and during storms.

"The members of the Farmington Fire Department are the greatest people to work with and they are my best friends ... Without all the support I have received, it just wouldn�t work," said Hunter.

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January 27, 2005
Brian Hunter, Jr. named 2004 Farmington Fire Fighter of the Year
By:Glenn Shafer , Staff Writer
FARMINGTON - The Citizens for Community Action will be presenting Brian Hunter, Jr. with the 2004 Town of Farmington Fire Fighter of the Year Award at the Feb. 8 Town Council meeting.

The Exchange Club of Farmington also recently honored Hunter as the Farmington Fire Fighter of the Year (ceremony).

Hunter serves the Town of Farmington as the assistant chief of Tunxis Hose Company #1. He joined Tunxis Hose Company in the summer of 1996 as a firefighter and EMT. He has served as lieutenant and captain prior to his current position.

During 2004, Hunter assumed command of several serious fire, medical, and rescue emergencies.

"In each case, Hunter's ability to think on his feet and calmly manage multiple resources allowed him to direct the fire department to safety and efficiently control the situation," said Farmington's Director of Fire and Rescue Services Mary Ellen Harper.

Hunter was also a recipient of the Tunxis Hose Company #1 Meritorious Service Award during 2004. This award is given to a member of the company for outstanding performance during the course of an incident whether it is fire or medical response. This spring, Hunter and Captain Travis Cromack responded to a call about a middle-aged female in cardiac arrest. They arrived first on the scene, initiated life-saving CPR, and used an automatic external defibrillator. Hunter and Cromack continued to assist the paramedics from UConn Health Center when they arrived on the scene. After a long convalescence, the patient was able to return home in a few months.

"Hunter has proven to be a leader off of the fire ground as well," said Harper. "This year, Brian stepped forward and chaired the committee for his station's new pumper tanker. As a direct result of Hunter's work, the town of Farmington has just placed an order for a state-of-the-art pumper tanker that meets the needs of the community and was priced under budget."

Hunter also chaired the Annual Tunxis Hose Company #1 Pasta Dinner. He's a member of the Tunxis Hose Company #1 house and membership committees and he coordinated the effort for the purchase of the new Amkus rescue tool for the Southwest Fire Station.

"Through his response to emergencies, his commitment to training, and his dedication to the community, he has helped set the standard for the high quality service and care that the residents of the town of Farmington have come to expect from their Fire Department," said Todd Litchfield of Tunxis Hose Company #1.

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January 23, 2005
Blaze Damages House Wall
Staff Report
FARMINGTON -- A home in the town's historic district sustained some damage to an exterior wall from an afternoon fire Saturday. No injuries were reported.

Firefighters were able to control the blaze in about 45 minutes. The fire was reported at about 1:35 p.m. by residents, who had returned home and saw smoke rising from their three-story house at 41 Main St., said Sam Baker, a Farmington Volunteer Fire Department firefighter. Volunteers from the East Farms and Tunxis Hose fire companies assisted, as did members of the University of Connecticut fire department, Baker said.

Fire damage was confined to one exterior wall and an adjacent woodpile, police said.

The local fire marshal is investigating.

January 21, 2005
Resident Rescued From House Fire
By THOMAS D. WILLIAMS, Courant Staff Writer
A health aide arriving at the Farmington home of a 95-year-old man Thursday found the house on fire and rushed the man to safety, a fire official said.

Farmington Volunteer Fire Chief Don Antigiovanni was the first firefighter at the scene, having responded to a report of fire and heavy smoke at 22 Carrington Lane shortly after 5 p.m. Antigiovanni arrived to see Frank J. Glasheen being escorted out of the house by his health aide, Dana Duhugue, firefighter Sam Baker said.

Two fire engines and a ladder truck arrived shortly afterward, and firefighters rescued the homeowner's cat, Baker said.

The fire started in the living room and was contained to that room, fire officials said. The fire was extinguished within five minutes, but the living room was badly damaged. Neighbors took Glasheen into their home for the night.

Further details about the fire were not available late Thursday. The East Farms and Tunxis volunteer fire departments assisted. No one was injured.

December 8, 2004
'Firefighter Of Year' Honored
Travis Cromack, Cited For Work At Fire and Accident Scenes, Is Among Group To Get Awards
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer
FARMINGTON -- Members of the Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 of Unionville recently honored several of their own, including Travis Cromack as firefighter of the year.

Cromack, a department member for five years, was also recently elected captain of the company's rescue squad.

Cromack, 23, comes from a firefighting family. His great uncle, Bill Cromack, served with the Unionville fire company, as does his father, Albert Cromack.

"I was always down there with him and liked what he did, what the guys before us did," Cromack said of his father.

Todd Litchfield, a spokesman for the fire department, said Cromack was selected firefighter of the year because of dedication shown in responding to emergency calls and for his work behind the scenes. The award honors the firefighter with the best overall performance.

Cromack was cited for his performance at two structure fires, two motor vehicle accidents involving children and the accidental detonation of a makeshift bomb that injured two boys. He also organized a "scared straight" drill to show Farmington High School students the dangers of drinking and driving. He also serves on several department committees and is chairman of the annual raffle fund-raiser.

Cromack said tradition played a role in his desire to serve, but it's helping the community that keeps him active and involved.

"Whenever somebody calls they're usually not having a good day," Cromack said. "When you get there, you try to help them out the best you can."

Cromack and Assistant Chief Brian Hunter Jr. were also honored with the department's meritorious service award for their role in reviving a woman who'd gone into cardiac arrest. The two firefighters used their cardiopulmonary resuscitation skills and an automatic external defibrillator, then continued to assist the UConn Health Center paramedics who arrived moments later. The woman lived.

Stephen Perrault was honored as the department's rookie of the year. The award goes to a firefighter with less than two years of service. He obtained basic certification as a firefighter and took an advanced course on vehicle extrication.

Litchfield said that Perrault's dedication, participation in training and response to calls "showed he was top of the new guys."

Honored for best use of technical skills was Litchfield, who at a structure fire was on the first hose team that limited the spread of the fire. He used his medical skills when aiding two youths who had accidentally exploded a bomb.

Other honorees include:
Community service: Deputy Chief Rich Higley, Cromack, Litchfield and firefighter Scott Miller.
Achievement: Litchfield, Don Perrault III, Lon Benson, Mahmoud Mahmoud, Kathy Helmecki.
Chief's award: Lt. Felicity Crowell, Steve Froberg, Helmecki.
Recognition awards for performance at specific calls:
Hunter, Litchfield, Lt. Scott Thompson, Crowell, Froberg, Larry Sanderson and Rob Warner for their efforts at a fire on Jordan Lane.
Chief Rick Bouchard, Hunter, Capt. Paul Marci, Cromack, Lt. Dan Wentworth, Thompson, Crowell, Sanderson and Steve Miceli for their efforts at a fire on Northwoods Road.
Bouchard, Hunter, Cromack, Litchfield and Crowell for their efforts at a medical call on Northwoods Road.
Bouchard, Hunter, Cromack, Thompson, Sanderson and Perrault for their efforts at a fire at Farmington woods.
Bouchard, Cromack, Crowell, Robert Warner, Dima Brook, Brian Demaio, John Trepanier, James Brown, Mike Nolan and Richard Glanovsky for their efforts at a motor vehicle accident on Devonwood Road.
Bouchard, Hunter, Cromack, Wentworth, Litchfield, Froberg, Don Perrault III, Richard Pylkowski, Scott Miller, Brook, Benson, Demaio and Trepanier for their efforts at a car vs. pedestrian accident on Route 4.

August 6, 2004
Bucket Brigade, Sort Of
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer
FARMINGTON -- Volunteer firefighters from several communities will battle each other in a test of firefighting skills Saturday in Farmington. Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 of Unionville and the Avon Volunteer Fire Department are hosting the competition, which is called a muster.

August 5, 2004
Firefighters Obtain Rescue Tool
New Equipment Touted As Lifesaver
By DAVID OWENS, Courant Staff Writer
FARMINGTON -- People who bought sausage burgers and hot dogs from Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 volunteer firefighters during their annual carnival have helped the fire company raise the $8,164 it needed to purchase a hydraulic spreader/cutter tool for the department's southwest firehouse.

July 30, 2004
Raffle Winners Named By Firefighters
Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 has announced the raffle winners in its annual carnival. Chris Walker of Unionville won the John Deere tractor, John Murphy of Farmington won a 47-inch Panasonic high-definition television, Howard Griffin of Unionville won a Hewlett-Packard digital camera, Leslie Finkelstein of Unionville won a $250 gift certificate to Highland Park Market and Julie Simard of Farmington won a $100 gift certificate to Sanford & Hawley.

July 14, 2004
Man Escapes Condo Fire
Officials Credit Smoke Detectors
By STEPHANIE REITZ, Courant Staff Writer
AVON -- Fire officials are crediting smoke alarms with saving a man from serious injury or death in a fire at a Farmington Woods condominium early Tuesday.

Michael Coppola, 23, was asleep in the bedroom of the unit at 137 Mallard Drive when smoke alarms throughout the condominium started to blare around 5:30 a.m., Avon Fire Chief Jamie DiPace said.

When Coppola opened his bedroom door, heavy smoke poured in and he could see a large fire in the kitchen, DiPace said. Coppola tried to put it out with a fire extinguisher, but realized it was too large and ran out of the house to call 911 on his cellphone.

One of Coppola's two pet cats died in the fire.

Firefighters from the Farmington Fire Department, the Tunxis Hose Co. in Unionville, and the Avon Volunteer Fire Department responded to the fire, which caused extensive damage to the condominium.

An investigation continued later Tuesday, and Coppola could not be reached for comment. The unit is owned by Coppola's mother, Jill Coppola, who is a member of the condominium association's executive board. Jill Coppola was not home at the time of the fire.

The condominium below also was left uninhabitable because of smoke and water damage. Two other condominiums in the same building were not affected.

If the fire had grown much larger before the smoke alarms went off, it could have blocked the condominium's main entryway and made it difficult for Coppola to escape, DiPace said.

"This is a perfect example of a smoke detector saving someone's life," DiPace said. "He was also very fortunate that he had the door to his bedroom closed so the smoke didn't pour in there and overcome him."

Coppola sustained a minor burn on one hand, but declined medical treatment, DiPace said. An unidentified firefighter from the Tunxis Hose Co. was treated after getting something in his eye while fighting the fire.

The Farmington Woods condominium complex has 1,085 units, of which about three-quarters are in Avon. The rest are in Farmington, although fire crews from both towns typically respond to emergencies there.

Although residents purchase their condominiums in the complex and insure their belongings, the Farmington Woods Master Association insures the structures, building superintendent Jeff Brigham said Tuesday.

The association called in electricians Tuesday to ensure that nearby residents' power was not affected. The association plans to board up and gut the burned condominium in preparation for repairs, he said.

"We don't know how much work it will be until we get it dried out and everything stripped out," he said.

July 10. 2004
Electronic system to track firefighters at dangerous fire scenes
By TERENCE JOHNSON, Staff Writer
FARMINGTON -- Keeping track of firefighters at a large blaze is a difficult and nerve-racking challenge, but a federal grant promises to ease the minds of the town�s fire chiefs.

On an emergency call, firefighters currently clip plastic tags they keep attached to their helmets to a metal ring suspended from the side-view mirror of the truck in which they are riding. The fire chief uses this system to keep track of where his firefighters are. But, when a firefighter makes a judgment call to break off from the group or someone forgets to put his or her tag up, the system can become unwieldy.

There�s a lot more going through our heads than throwing our tags up. At the moment, you tell the chief we�ve lost a guy -- that he�s gone off on his own," said Lt. Todd Slater. "But we�ve got to do the job ahead of us."

With the assistance of the $16,515 federal grant, however, Farmington�s Fire and Rescue Services will be able to purchase an electronic accountability system to aid in tracking firefighters at the scene.

"Every call is always a challenge as far as accounting for people," said Mary-Ellen Harper, Farmington�s director of fire and rescue services. "This grant will make it easier for our incident commanders to make sure every firefighter is accounted for."

The model or brand of system the department will purchase has not yet been determined, but Harper said it will likely be a hand-held computer. It will allow the fire chief to pinpoint the location of a particular firefighter quickly and precisely.

The funds came from the 2004 Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, which awards money to support local fire departments. This year�s program, administered by the Department of Homeland Security�s Office for Domestic Preparedness, received $750 million from Congress to distribute firefighters to improve the effectiveness of firefighting operations, firefighter health and safety programs, and to

establish or expand fire prevention programs throughout the United States.

"We certainly appreciate the support the senators and representatives gave us at the legislative level in securing funding for the program," Harper said.

Grants have been awarded to Farmington in three of the last four years, allowing the town to purchase cold water suits and ice sleds to aid in winter rescue calls, and a specially made washing machine and drier for cleaning the gear that firefighters wear on calls.

"Farmington�s firefighters are on the front lines protecting their community and saving lives," said U.S. Rep. Nancy Johnson (CT-5), who supported the grant program at the Congressional level.

"This grant will allow the department to better protect its firefighters as they work to protect us."

May 29, 2004
Driving home a key message at prom time
By DAWN A. MICELI , Correspondent
FARMINGTON-- Two beer cans rolled out of the back seat as firefighters worked to extricate a young female passenger from the tan Toyota Camry that resembled a mangled accordion.

The staged scene drove home a simple lesson: Don�t drink and drive, because the repercussions can be fatal and life-altering.

And while the nearly 300 Farmington High School seniors who witnessed the simulated drunk driving accident said their parents had been drumming the same message into their heads for years, most agreed that the live demonstration was more effective and convincing.

"Your parents tell you not to drink and drive, but I think it reinforces those values. It enhances your mentality of the whole situation," said senior Mike Adler, who was in the school�s back parking lot for the simulated "T-bone" two-car crash.

Driving home the message was precisely what educators and local fire, police and emergency crews had hoped to achieve during Friday�s Drunk Driving Awareness Day at the high school.

"They did exactly what I hoped they would do," said Chris Machol, a health and physical education teacher."Speakers moved them. Firemen shocked them, and now teachers will discuss it all with them."

Machol worked in conjunction with Tunxis Hose Fire Department Lt. Travis Cromack in organizing the simulated car crash -- replete with fire, police and emergency personnel, the Jaws of Life for the extrication and other lifesaving devices.The last time the school hosted the event was in 1993.

"I went through four years here, and I never got to see it," said Cromack."I think it�s a terrific thing to see right before prom season."

In two weeks, most of the FHS seniors will travel to Southington to attend their June 12 prom at the Aqua Turf Club. That event, coupled with upcoming graduation and the summer season, was enough to convince school Principal Kevin Ryan that an entire day of activities designed to put drunk driving in context would be beneficial to students.

From third period on, seniors were inundated with the potential ill-effects of drunk driving.They listened to poignant testimony from several mothers who had lost their children to drunk driving accidents. One of the mothers had compiled a slide show featuring her teenage son; he had been a passenger in a car driven by someone who had been drinking. He did not survive the accident.

"We�ve heard (the warnings) since we were 3. So to see pictures of the kids -- they were just average kids," said student Sarah Niksa.

"The video was emotional, and the simulation more of a realistic approach," added Steven Kane.

Through the use of special goggles, students also had a chance to experience the sensation of impaired vision brought about by alcohol or drugs, explained theater teacher Tracy Hirsch.

"It gives you a feeling of what it would be like to walk the line when you�re drunk," Hirsch said."And it was pretty hard."

Hirsch drew on her theatrical skills in her portrayal of one of the accident victims in the simulated crash. The scenario had Hirsch as a passenger, and her pretend husband, the driver, in a Cutlass Ciera, with their infant in the back seat.

They were hit on the side by a car full of teens on prom night. Because of a roadside sobriety test and the discovery of the beer cans, police determined that the teen driver had been drinking. He was escorted in handcuffs into a waiting police cruiser.

Meanwhile, one of the teen passengers, played by Caroline Platkiewicz, was thrown through the windshield on impact and pronounced dead by arriving emergency personnel.Back-seat passenger Becca Nickerson was extricated with the Jaws of Life and taken by ambulance to the hospital.

"I think (the simulation) hit home because you saw people who you�re friends with," said student Ana Delgado.

Firefighter Larry Sanderson, who narrated the rescue procedures, announced that the baby in the simulated crash was in cardiac arrest and had stopped breathing.

"We leave the thought in their head -- did the baby make it or not?" said Cromack."It�s important for the kids to see this so they can see the results.Innocent bystanders got hurt more than the drunk driver."

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March 25, 2004
Shrinking Revenues Leave Carnival's Future In Question
FARMINGTON -- The town council's decision not to allocate $6,000 to assist the Tunxis Hose Co. with its annual carnival may threaten the event's existence, a fire company spokesman said.

This year's carnival, scheduled for July 7-10, will go on as planned. The 2005 carnival, however, is uncertain.

The annual fund-raiser, held in Unionville after the Fourth of July, draws thousands to the area and provides rides, carnival events and fireworks. While the cost of putting on the carnival has increased, volunteers have kept prices down to keep the event affordable to families.

"Our revenue in the last three years has been cut in half," said Todd Litchfield, a spokesman for the Tunxis Hose Co. "The revenue's gone down and the costs have gone up."

The firefighters were hoping that $6,000 from the town council to pay for the fireworks would enable them to continue having the event while also making a profit that goes to cover insurance premiums and new equipment purchases.

Revenues have declined because a money wheel booth that used to be at the carnival is gone. That fell victim to a change in the state's casino night law, which was altered in an effort to halt the spread of casino gambling.

"What we were simply asking was if the town council wanted to continue this tradition and take over [the fireworks] in conjunction with our carnival," Litchfield said.

Without the assistance, firefighters will have to think about whether continuing the event is worthwhile, he said.

"The revenue we generate is getting smaller and smaller every year and you get to the point where it's just not worth the time and effort," Litchfield said.

Firefighters see some irony in the council's decision, especially because the company is planning to donate a $5,700 hydraulic rescue tool to the town. It will be placed on a fire truck at the town's southwest fire station. And while some people might question whether the firefighters ought to use that money for the fireworks, Litchfield said the volunteers don't see that as an option.

"What's more important here, the rescue equipment to pull people out of cars or fireworks?" Litchfield said.

Town council Chairman Bruce Chudwick said the decision not to place the $6,000 in the town's proposed budget was not intended as a slight to the volunteers. But because there are other worthy nonprofits in town asking for help, the council's majority decided that it first had to develop criteria and a policy for giving such aid.

And the council may decide that making that contribution to the department is proper, Chudwick said.

"I think we're amenable to looking at it, but we have to put some guidelines in place ... so that we can objectively determine what we want to fund and what we don't want to fund," he said.

Two council members pushed for including the $6,000 in the budget. Council members Robert DiPietro and Michael M. Meade urged inclusion of the money, but lost the vote to the council's Republican majority.

March 17, 2004
Fire Department denied Firework Funding
Farmington - In approving a $72.7 million dollar budget, the Town Council failed to support the volunteer fire company. Firefighters from Tunxis Hose Company No. 1 expressed disappointment that the council would not consider granting them $6,000 a year that would be used to fund a fireworks display at their annual carnival.

"While we fully appreciate the tough decisions the council has to make during the budget process, we are clearly disappointed by the lack of support for this event," said volunteer firefighter Todd Litchfield. "And more importantly, for the volunteers who give countless hours unselfishly to the town of Farmington." Read More

February 11, 2004
Fire company looking for carnival cash
By LISA BACKUS , Correspondent
FARMINGTON -- The Tunxis Hose Fire Company No. 1 is hoping that Town Council members will help them continue to light up the sky with spectacular fireworks at the department�s annual carnival by subsidizing a portion of the event.

Council members acknowledged Tuesday that they have received a letter from the firefighters asking that the town kick in $6,000 a year to help defray the cost of staging the fireworks during the annual Tunxis Hose Firefighters Carnival.

"We�re not looking to recover any shortfalls, but what we are looking for is to have the Town Council form a partnership with Tunxis Hose to preserve the fireworks around the Fourth of July in conjunction with our carnival," said Tunxis Hose firefighter Todd Litchfield.

"Our revenues are shrinking," Litchfield said. "And it�s getting to the point where between the manpower and time involved it�s not worth the amount we end up making."

The Tunxis Hose Firefighters Carnival is one of the few remaining firefighters carnivals in the state. Each year on the first Wednesday after July 4, the firefighters light up the sky with a stunning aerial display that attracts thousands of area residents as a kick off to the four-day carnival.

During the event, thousands more visitors sample the carnival�s delicacies including "Uncle Bill�s" famous fried dough sauce and partake in games of chance and breathtaking rides. The event closes each year after the annual firemen�s parade on Saturday evening, which draws fire companies from around the state.

The carnival is the fire company�s largest fund-raiser and helps to pay for extras the town can�t afford such as supplemental insurance for firefighters above what the town offers, Litchfield said.

"We purchase equipment the town might not be able to pay for in tight budget years and then turn around and donate it to the town," Litchfield said. "For instance, last year we purchased a Water Rescue Trailer for $7,000 and we bought cold water rescue suits for about $1,100."

The firefighters are requesting that the council agree to give the fire company $6,000 a year to pay for the actual fireworks display. The fire company would pay for the costs related to the event including insurance, police coverage and the cost to take out the proper permits.

A few weeks ago, council members agreed to help the Farmington Fire Department with a one-time payment of $7,500. The department went into debt staging its 200th anniversary celebration with fireworks, which was largely rained out.

Litchfield said he was concerned that during Tuesday�s council meeting, council members were confused about the purpose of the Tunxis Hose request and didn�t want people to get the impression that they were asking for a hand out at the same time another local department needed funding.

The fire company sent a letter with the request to council chairman Bruce Chudwick on Feb. 4. council members Robert DiPietro and Michael Meade said they were in favor of spending the cash on the annual event.

"I see this as really an economic development issue," said DiPietro, who is also a firefighter in New Britain. "It�s great for businesses in Unionville and we can support this and make it even better. I hope the town manager can find a spot in her budget for this."

But other council members said they would like more information from the fire company and the item would wait until the council discusses the annual budget in March.

"The Farmington volunteer fire company lost $20,000 of their own funds and part of that was that they had to spend $10,000 on the rental of the land," said council member William Wadsworth. "The town does make a contribution to Tunxis Hose through the free use of the land at Union School every year."

Litchfield said he would provide the council with more information on the event and the related costs in time for budget season. Town manager Kathleen Eagen will present her budget to council members and the public March 9.

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January 19, 2004
Firefighters practice ice rescue tactics
By LISA BACKUS , Correspondent
FARMINGTON - The wind is blowing and the snow is swirling through the trees. The lake at Winding Trails is a winter wonderland, completely frozen over allowing skaters and ice fishers opportunity to practice their chosen sport.

But, as firefighters learned Sunday morning, such a scene can quickly turn deadly if someone falls through the ice on a frigid afternoon.

"When you are wet and it�s cold, you lose heat five times faster," said firefighter Todd Litchfield. "You obviously want to get to them as soon as possible, and you want to do it without falling in yourself."

Victims fall through the ice most often in early and late winter when the ice is not completely frozen or appears frozen but is actually thawing, fire officials said. Therefore, Tunxis Hose firefighters braved the elements Sunday morning to practice using ice rescue equipment. Read More

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