www.WashingtonCT.org The Town of Washington, Connecticut Washington Volunteer Fire Department

Emergency: 911 Or, if 911 fails, 860-868-7300 Telephone: • Washington Depot 860-868-7403 • New Preston 860-868-7831 Fax: 860-868-0621 Fire Marshal: 860-567-7617 860-348-2386 to leave voice messages 1-800-348-2386 U.S. Mail Address: Washington Volunteer Fire Department P.O. Box 244 Washington Depot, CT 06794 Street Address: Washington Volunteer Fire Department 109 Bee Brook Road Washington Depot, CT 06794 Fire Chief: Mark Showalter 1st Assistant: Darryl Wright 2nd Assistant: Brian Ohman Captain: Mike Difronzo 1st Lieutenant: George Steiner 2nd Lieutenant: Caleb Shropshire Web Site: http://www.washingtonvolfire.com

The Washington Volunteer Fire Department responded to 218 calls this past year. The total number includes structure fires, motor vehicle accidents, carbon monoxide alarms, smoke alarms, chimney fires, brush fires and vehicle fires. The category that is labeled “EMS assist” was higher this year. When Washington Ambulance is on a call, the fire department is designated to respond to provide care for the patient until a mutual aid ambulance arrives. In addition to being trained as firefighters, the department has many members who are medically training.

Unfortunately three of the eight structure fires that we responded to this year were fully involved with fire by the time our first units arrived on the scene. Our firefighters have been trained to fight fires by performing interior attacks but for their own safety it was not possible in these situations.

Although new building in town has been slow lately, I would like everyone to consider the fire department while you make plans. There is a need for a quick access to water for fighting of any kind of fire that could occur on your property. We do carry water on the apparatus but it may not be enough. There have been issues in the past with stone walls and gates that have been built that are not wide enough for some of our equipment. You could also consult with the building department about a sprinkler system.

We continue to try to increase our membership. A high percentage of our calls are during the day. The town is lucky to have members that are available during the day to leave their places of work to respond. We can always use more people. If anyone is interested ,contact any member or call the fire house. We are also there almost any Wednesday evening. You can stop by.

So far this year the fund drive has gone very well. Everything is put back into equipment needs for your fire department. Thank you for your continued support.

Mark Showalter
Fire Chief

Annual Reports:

See the Town Annual Report for yearly reports on the activities of the Fire Department.

The Ladies Auxiliary of The Washington Volunteer Fire Department

Memorial Day Parade, 2004 Photo by Kristine (Johnson) Mothersele

The Ladies Auxiliary was organized in 1979, with the purpose to provide assistance and support to the firemen in their duties whenever and wherever needed. This continues to be our goal today. The officers this year [2005] are as follows: Rosa Woodruff - President, Betsy Brinton - Vice President, Ann Gollsneider - Secretary, Claire Wilber - Treasurer.

The Auxiliary holds several events throughout the year to help raise money for the needs of the department. In the fall we sponsor a Craft Fair at the Depot Firehouse. Most of the crafters are from the local area, and we welcome new crafters every year. The Auxiliary has begun to sell pewter ornaments depicting local buildings. The ornaments are drawn by Cindy Brissett and created by Woodbury Pewter. We have been selling the ornaments for the past six years. We began in 1999 with "The Old Depot Firehouse", 2000 was the "Bryan Memorial Hall" and 2001 was the "Harry O. Erickson Pavilion Hall". In 2002, we began the first ornament in the church series with "The Stone Church" in New Preston. "The First Congregational Church of Washington" was the 2003 ornament. The ornament for 2004 was "St. Andrew's Church in Marble Dale." This year we decided to take a break from the churches. Our 2005 ornament depicts "Papa Joe's Doggie Wagon." Each ornament comes in a protective plastic bag and contains and informational card about the subject depicted. We are currently taking orders for this years ornament and still have past years available. The ornaments will also be available for sale/order at most of the other events we participate in.

The Auxiliary also sponsors an award to a resident of the Washington community that will be graduating from S.V.H.S. this year. Other activities the Auxiliary participates in include the Memorial Day Parade and Holiday in the Depot at which we provide cookies and soda. Some of the Auxiliary members have taking part in an Emergency Preparedness Course sponsored by the American Red Cross. The course taught us how to prepare an emergency shelter in the event that we would need to open one.

Although are current membership is small, we welcome anyone to join. We have a meeting on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:30 at the Depot Firehouse. There are many ways to help that require only a small amount of your time. To find out more about joining the Auxiliary call Betsy Brinton at 860-868-7961. To place orders for an ornament please call Sally Wright at 860-868-2698. If you would like to reserve a space for a craft table at Craft Fair this year please call Rosa Woodruff at 860-868-0111.