Events & Information Archives 2008

Woodstock Fire Departments

3rd Annual Toy Collection

Saturday, November 15, 2008

by Karen Munroe

On Saturday, November 15, 2008, the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association (WVFA) Station 76 and Bungay Fire Brigade (BFB) Station 77 held its 3^rd annual toy collection.  Although wind and rain prevailed throughout the day, a continuous stream of community members from Woodstock, neighboring towns and beyond, delivered 598 toys and monetary donations (which will be used to purchase additional toys). The generosity of the community was tremendous, demonstrating the spirit of giving in these difficult economic times.  Each year’s collection has exceeded the previous year, and this year was no exception.  All of the toys will be distributed to families in Woodstock and surrounding towns. If you wish to make a donation, please drop off a new toy at the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association, 399 Route 169 (next to the Town Hall), Monday through Friday between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. Donations will be accepted through December 1, 2008.  WVFA and BFB wish to thank everyone for their generosity, which is certain to put smiles on the faces of many children this holiday season.

Event slideshow - click here

Woodstock Fire Departments - Bungay Fire Brigade 77 & Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association 76, teamed together for the 3rd Annual Toy Collection

Fifty Years of Service to the Community

Harold R. Bishop

August 2008

by Chief Timothy Young

The Woodstock Vol. Fire Assoc. would like to recognize Harold R. Bishop for Fifty Years of Service to the community as an active member of the Department.

Harold joined the Department August 8, 1958. His contributions to this Department have helped to build a strong foundation for our future. His active participation has been and continues to be an inspiration to those that have followed.        

During his first fifty years Harold’s contributions to our Department are too many to possibly mention in full, so I will touch on some highlights.

• Member of many assoc. committees

• Member of the Quinebaug Valley Fire Chiefs

• Active department fundraiser

• Past member of the WEMS

• Past line officer most recent 1972-1982 as Deputy Chief.

• And under highlights, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the apple cider at every monthly meeting, seasonally possible. (Harold is the owner of Woodstock Orchards.)

In many ways to me personally Harold has been a mentor. His experience and active participation have been an inspiration to me. As Chief of the WVFA, a member of this Department  and Community I would like to take this opportunity to say THANK YOU!!!.

Woodstock Station 76 hosts

EMS Training Session with Local Paramedics

Paramedic Instructors: Peter Cardillo & Mike Morran

Bungay Fire Brigade 77, Muddy Brook Fire 75 & Woodstock Volunteer Fire Assoc. 76 members listening to the paramedics.

Tuesday, July 22, 2008

by Don Chrzan

On July 22nd, WVFA hosted Paramedics Peter Cardillo and Mike Morran, who illustrated how Emergency Medical Technicians can assist them in improving patient care both on-scene and during transport to the nearest medical facility. Both Paramedics have had extensive training and have many years of experience between them.

All of Woodstock’s fire departments work very closely with local paramedics. It was important to have representatives from each department present during the training session.  Training was hands on which included how Emergency Medical Technicians “EMTs” can assist paramedics in IV therapy, proper EKG lead placements, and assisting medics in intubation when requested. A general overall view of how EMTs can improve patient care concluded the evening.

Woodstock Emergency Medical Services and WVFA would like to thank Peter and Mike for their dedication to the medical field, and for sharing their knowledge and experience. Everyone found the training beneficial and informative.

WVFA held its

Annual Appreciation Dinner

March 15, 2008

by Karen Munroe

The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association held its Annual Appreciation Dinner on March 15, 2008 at Hyde School. Approximately 80 Association members and spouses attended. A memorable dinner was provided by the generosity of Hyde School and its staff. The Association President, Scott Hazelton, reviewed notable accomplishments and events over the past year, including:

• The addition of eight new members.

• The new website (www.wvfa76.org)

• A successful Open House and Food Drive in October.

• The November Toy Collection which resulted in a record setting 480 toys and monetary donations, which provided toys to Woodstock, Thompson, Putnam, and Eastford children.  Thank you to all who contributed to making the holidays memorable for so many children.

Left to Right: Jeff Kimball, Chief Tim Young and Jeff Arsenault

Scott thanked the firefighters, Emergency Medical Services, support team, and association members for their hard work throughout the year.

Chief Timothy Young presented plaques to Jeff Arsenault and Jeff Kimball “In Recognition of Many Years of Dedicated Service”.

Chief Young recognized Harold R. Bishop for his fifty years of active service to the community.  He stated that “Harold’s contributions built a strong foundation for the Department’s future, and his active participation continues to be an inspiration to those that have followed”.

Mr. Bishop has been a member of many association committees, a member of the Quinebaug Valley Fire Chiefs, active department fundraiser, past member of the Woodstock Emergency Medical Services, past line officer, and Deputy Chief from 1972-1982.  Allan Walker, Jr. Woodstock First Selectman, provided a citation by the Board of Selectmen, honoring Mr. Bishop. 

Chief Young also recognized Stephen Young for his 25 years of service as Deputy Chief.  In December, Steve stepped down as Deputy Chief, although he is remaining an active member. Steve joined the department in 1975. Chief Young stated that “Steve’s contributions to the Department have been monumental.  His quiet and well executed demeanor has helped to lead our organization through many challenging times”.

During Steve’s first 33 years as a member of the department, he has been a member of the Quinebaug Valley Fire Chiefs, an active fundraiser, past member of the Woodstock Emergency Medical Services, a member of many association committees, past line officer, Deputy Chief from 1982 – 2007, and chairman of the last two truck committees. 

The evening ended with a presentation of door prizes for participants provided by the generosity of many local businesses.