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2021 WVFA Elected Officers & Committees   Line Officers: Chief Eric Young Deputy Chief Will Skene Captain Tony Foote Captain Lucas Young Lt. Adam Plona Lt. Matt Cimochowski Captain Rich Dempsey (EMS) Lt. John Kline (EMS) Lt. Jennifer Valentine (EMS)   Executive Officers: President Russ Downer Jr Vice President Jeff Kimball Treasurer Mark Collins Secretary Louise Downer   Public Relations: Mary Jane Dougherty Greg Kline Iris Arsenault   Membership: Scott Hazelton Matt Cimochowski Will Skene   House: George Molnar Kevin Perry Adam Plona   Executive Officers Nominating Committee: Eric Young Tony Foote Adam Plona   Line Officers Nominating Committee: Russ Downer Jr Steve Child James Baarda

Thank you to everyone who donated to this years 15th Annual Toy Collection 2020. During this difficult 2020 the community response was overwhelming to help the children & families in our area and we can not thank you enough for helping us to make a difference.

Learn more about COVID-19 Click here How to Protect Yourself If you think you are sick Information on Mass Gatherings CDC Centers for Disease Control CT.gov/Coronavirus Click here for up-to-date information from the Northeast District Department of Health regarding the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Health officials stress the importance of washing hands frequently, covering your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throwing it into a lined trash container, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and staying home when you are sick.

Memorial Day 2019 Monday, May 27, 2019 Fire Dept Members: Bungay Fire Brigade 77, Woodstock Vol. Fire Assn. 76, Muddy Brook Fire Dept. 75 Woodstock Vol. Fire Assn. 76 Members Woodstock EMS Firefighter of the Year: Dave Elliott, BFB 77 Thank you to all our Veterans!

Woodstock Divers Demonstrate Skills at YMCA Family Fun Day Saturday, April 27, 2019 in Putnam, Connecticut

Thank You to all who donated to this year's 13th Annual Toy Collection. Thank you for making a difference to the children & families in our area have a Merry Christmas.   Woodstock Rescue Divers team up with CT Canine Search and Rescue at Mystic Seaport Sunday, August 5, 2018 Search and rescue dogs show off their stuff at Seaport demonstration Knox, a five year old golden retriever, is held by his owner Bob Paruolo, both of Glastonbury, as he greets a diver with the Woodstock Dive Team as CT Canine Search and Rescue performs search and rescue demonstrations on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the Mystic Seaport. (Sarah Gordon/The Day) Published August 05. 2018 - By Martha Shanahan   Day staff writer Click below to view article & additional photos: https://www.theday.com/local-news/20180805/search-and-rescue-dogs-show-off-their-stuff-at-seaport-demonstration

Tractor/Barn Fire Saturday, July 14, 2018 by Rich Dempsey, Car 676, EMS Lt. At 10:58 AM on July 14, 2018, a tractor fire was reported at 182 route 171, Fairview Farms. First arriving units found a fully involved farm tractor with fire beginning to extend into an occupied cow barn. The fire was quickly knocked down with minimal damage to the structure, the tractor was a total loss. Cause of the fire is under investigation. On Scene: Woodstock EMS, Woodstock Vol. Fire Assn. Station 76,  Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77, Muddy Brook Fire Station 75, Putnam Fire Station 78 with thanks to all.

Firefighter of the Year: Tony Foote WVFA Fire Captain Monday, May 28, 2018 WVFA longtime member, and Fire Captain Tony Foote was honored on Memorial Day with the Firefighter of the Year Award for his outstanding dedication to the Town of  Woodstock. Congratulations Tony, well deserved.

Memorial Day 2018 Monday, May 28, 2018

Rt. 171 Barn Fire knocked down quickly Wednesday, March 21, 2018 Quick responses from the three Woodstock Fire Depts WVFA 76, Bungay FB 77 & Muddy Brook FD 75 knocked down a barn fire keeping the fire contained and damage from spreading. Great Job!

Thank You On behalf of the Bungay 77, Community 81, Muddy Brook 75 and Woodstock Volunteer Fire Assn. 76 Thank You!!  Because of your generous efforts, the 12th Annual Toy Drive was once again a huge success. 100% of the donations have been distributed to children in need in the Quiet Corner. So, on Christmas morning take a moment to know that a child is out there opening gifts smiling and enjoying their gifts because of you. May you and your loved one’s have a blessed and joyous holiday season.

 

Training: EMS Response to Tactical Situations Saturday, April 1 & Sunday, April 2, 2017 by Rich Dempsey, Car 676, EMS Lieutenant On April 1st & 2nd, 2017, Woodstock EMS hosted a training course on “EMS Response to Tactical Situations” given by Osborne EMS Education. Experienced Law Enforcement and Military Paramedics were part of the instructor team. This two day course addressed rapid patient care in an active shooter and/or a bombing environment. Students were shown the value of tourniquets, treating penetrating chest wounds and rapid victim removal. Classroom learning preceded several active shooter training evolutions. Members from Woodstock EMS, Bungay Fire, Day Kimball Hospital, Eastford Fire, Putnam EMS, Pomfret and several other departments participated in this excellent training opportunity. Additional Photos & Videos on www.osborneert.com

Woodstock Dive Team participates in the Tolland County Dive Team Ice Drill Union, CT Bigelow Hollow Hosted by Union Volunteer Fire Department Sunday, January 22, 2017

Training: How to Respond: Active (Shooter) Aggressor Situations Wednesday, March 30, 2016 Members of the three Woodstock Fire Departments, Woodstock Volunteer Fire Assn. Station 76, Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77 and Muddy Brook Fire Station 75 along with neighboring area fire departments attended the training lecture held at Bungay Station on a Active Shooter Aggressor Situation. Discussions included various active aggressor situations and their ending results. How  first  responders  and  law  enforcement  work  together when responding to this type of emergency call. Attendees made aware of aggressor's possible behavior and how first responders can assist the public, while keeping themselves and others safe.   Thank you to Lecturer: Trooper First Class Eric Basak Connecticut State Police Emergency Services Unit

Thank you to the community for their contributions to this year's 2015 10th Annual Toy Collection on Saturday, November 14, 2015 and thank you to the Toy Collection Team from Community Fire Station 81, WVFA Station 76, Muddy Brook Station 75 & Bungay Station 77 for all their hard work making this a success.

EMS Awards Banquet Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at The Grill 37, Pomfret, CT Congratulations to the following recipients for their awards given at Day Kimball Hospital EMS banquet: Josh Kusek - Paramedic of the year Jeannine Spink - EMT of the year Mathew Whipple - EMR of the year

Thank You to everyone who helped make a difference to the area children and their families this Christmas by contributing to this year's toy collection.

EMS Awards Banquet Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at the Connecticut National Golf Club in East Putnam   Congratulations to the Woodstock Award Recipients: Sue Calaman, EMT of the Year and to the Woodstock crews with CPR saves Woodstock Ambulance/Muddy Brook CREW: Rich Dempsey, Katie Webster, Roland Vespia and Alan Kelly DOS 4-20-14 Woodstock Bungay Station 77 crew: Deputy Chief Rich Dempsey, EMS Captain Mike Lawrence, Lt Dave Elliot and EMT Nick Webster Congratulations to all the recipients for their awards:   Additional crews with CPR saves since January, 2014. Putnam: EMS crews: Amanda DeTorio and Jaryd Mathewson  DOS  1-1-14 Trevor Clark, Khon thoummany, Tim Bragg, Michael McNulty and Matt Whipple DOS 4-16-14 Community Ambulance: Mitchell Preston, Michael Ladyka, Kyle McDonald and Tim Burnett DOS 5-6-14 The awards handed out this night were to the following EMS personnel.  These were choose from the few nominations that were turned in this office: Educator of the Year: Patty Erskine EMT of the Year: Sue Calaman Paramedic of the Year: Stephen Varga Volunteer of the Year: Patrick Gauthier

Training for:

CPR & First Aid for First Responders

Saturday, February 15, 2014

Members of local area fire departments attended the training for first responders learning CPR and First Aid. First responders are an important part of the scene success for medical and fire calls. Training and various scene scenarios were given to help the first responders towards becoming more comfortable and familiar with medical situations when assisting EMS. Attendees were certified and instructed by Allan Kelly, MBFD Station 75 and Sue Calaman, WVFA Station 76.

BLS & ALS: EMS Training with American Paramedic Tuesday, January 28, 2014 Thank you to Rob Rautio, a American Paramedic for coming to Station 76 in Woodstock for ALS interface training. Training included familiarizing and reviewing the medic's equipment medical bags and the uses of the equipment to assist the paramedics. Rob reviewed upcoming protocol changes including the CPAP procedure. Training between BLS and ALS is an important part of working together to develop the team work needed to insure the best possible patient care.

Thank you to everyone who donated to the 2013 8th Annual Toy Collection on Saturday, November 16, 2013 Boot Drive to benefit the: Leukemia & Lymphoma Cancer Society Saturday, June 8, 2013 On Saturday, June 8th members of the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association Station 76 decided to continue as scheduled despite the weather forecast with the boot drive to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Cancer Society. While days of pouring rain & flooding just prior to Saturday’s boot drive and with the day’s event weather in question, it still wasn't enough to dampen the volunteer’s spirits with participating in this fundraiser. What a great day it was for the boot drive. With the rain ending the sun shining and the generosity of the public, the day was a great success. The Woodstock Fire Departments teaming up with L&LCS members Tessa and Emily, we all made a difference with helping the Leukemia & Lymphoma Cancer Society fighting blood cancers.   Play slideshow ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mission and Goals The mission of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. LLS is the world's largest voluntary health agency dedicated to blood cancer. LLS funds lifesaving blood cancer research around the world and provides free information and support services. Our Key Priorities will ensure that: The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helps blood cancer patients live better, longer lives. The need is critical: An estimated 1,012,533 people in the United States are living with, or are in remission from, leukemia, Hodgkin lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma or myeloma. Approximately every four minutes, someone new is diagnosed with blood cancer. Approximately every 10 minutes, someone dies. Leukemia causes more deaths than any other cancer among children, adolescents and young adults under the age of 20. Lymphomas are the most common blood cancers and incidence increases with age. The survival rate for myeloma is only 41.1 percent. Incidence is more than twice as high among African Americans as for all other races. www.lls.org/ct ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VIDEO: Memorial Day on Woodstock Hill Woodstock, CT, May 27, 2013 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=JulWDV2f3Vo Published on May 27, 2013 Music provided by songfreedom.com: "Memorial Song (When You Think of Me)" Performed by Private Jack, Courtesy of Park Drive Productions Inc. Used by permission.

"Michael E. Dougherty, Deputy Chief Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association, is recognized today for his never ending contributions to the fire service. His history as a firefighter began in 1978 with the Town of Yantic where he was a firefighter, EMT, and ultimately a lieutenant. In 1988 Mike and his wife, MaryJane moved to our beloved Town of Woodstock. In 1989 he joined the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association and, as an established firefighter, recertified his EMS status to an MRT to serve on the ambulance crew. With his knowledge, experience and dedication he again quickly rose to the rank of lieutenant and is now the Deputy Chief of the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association. He has served for eight years with the Woodstock Fire Protection Association and is a past president and now, treasurer. Mike is a devoted father of three boys, Michael, Kevin and Sean. He was involved in his son’s Boy Scout Troops and was very active with the troop outings, trips and activities that help to shape our youth. He also serves as Vice Chairman of the Woodstock Board of Finance. We in Woodstock are honored to benefit from his wisdom and knowledge which, coupled with his commitment and dedication, help to keep our community safe and strong. We are pleased to recognize Deputy Chief Michael E. Dougherty for his continuing service and devotion to our community." WVFA Station 76 Appreciation Dinner Saturday, March 23, 2013 by Jeff Kimball, WVFA President   On Saturday, March 23, 2013 the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association 76 held it’s annual Appreciation Dinner at The Inn at Woodstock Hill in Woodstock. The annual appreciation dinner is held to show appreciation to those who serve and volunteer by Fire, EMS, Support Team,  Associations and Mutual Aid to assist the residents of Woodstock and surrounding mutual aid towns. "I would like to take a moment to thank everyone who attended our annual dinner March 23, 2013 at the Woodstock Inn. The evening was a great success! A special thanks to our guests included Woodstock Selectman Mitchell Eaffy, Woodstock Fire Chiefs Chief Chris Wootton, Muddy Brook Fire Station 75; Chief Roy Chandler, Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77; Chief Norm Bernier, Putnam Fire Station 78; and Christopher Bowen, Eastford Fire & Rescue. The Support Team members and the members of the Executive Committee for their efforts in making this event possible and a night to remember. Appreciation Awards: L to R Scott Hazelton, Iris Arsenault and Mike Dougherty I would be remiss in not mentioning the fantastic hospitality of the staff at the Inn and the incredible meal we were given! Thanks to all for your service and dedication and hopes for another safe and successful year ahead." Jeff Kimball, President WVFA Station 76

Community Fire Station 81 and Woodstock Fire Departments: 7th Annual Toy Collection Saturday, November 10, 2012 On Saturday, November 10, 2012, the 7th Annual Toy Collection was held by members of the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association Station 76, Community Fire Co. Inc. Station 81,  Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77, and Muddy Brook Fire Station 75. Local area businesses and individuals donated toys and made monetary donations. All money collected was used to purchase additional toys. The generosity of the local businesses and the public was incredible, knowing these are tough financial times. Toys were distributed to families in Eastford, Putnam, Thompson, Woodstock and other local surrounding towns through TEEG in Thompson. The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association,  Community Fire Company, Bungay Fire Brigade and Muddy Brook Fire wish to thank everyone for their contributions, making this year’s toy drive an unprecedented success, and the dreams of many children come true.

152nd Annual Woodstock Fair August 31, September 1 – 3, 2012 Thank you to Emergency Services Volunteers by Sue Calaman The members of the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association would like to extend a sincere thanks to all of the area Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel who volunteered their time at this year’s Woodstock Fair.  Fire service standby was provided by the Bungay Fire Brigade and the Muddy Brook Fire Department, both from Woodstock.  The Community Fire Department from Thompson, as well as Putnam EMS provided ambulances and crews for EMS responses on the fairgrounds.  EMS coverage for the horse shows was provided by members of the KB Ambulance Corps.  American Ambulance personnel were also in attendance, making paramedic service available for those patients in need of more advanced medical care. EMS personnel from many area departments volunteered their time at the first aid facility as well as covering the fairgrounds on foot and standing by at the main stage concerts. The Woodstock VFA Support Team generously provided the volunteers with home cooked food, desserts and beverages. During the four days of the fair, 106 people were treated in first aid and six patients were transported from the fairgrounds to the hospital via ambulance.  We sincerely appreciate the cooperation, enthusiasm and professionalism of our Fire and EMS colleagues.  Providing emergency coverage for an event of this size would not be possible without their help.

Local area fire departments come together for: Mass Casualty Table Top Exercise Monday, July 23, 2012 by Steve Jorjorian The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association hosted a mass casualty table top exercise at station 76, on Monday, July 23rd. Thirty-one officers from the departments of Community Fire and Ambulance, Pomfret EMS and Fire, Putnam EMS and Fire, Bungay Fire Brigade, Muddy Brook Fire Department and Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association and EMS participated in the exercise. These departments usually provide, on an annual basis, personnel and equipment for medical and fire protection at the Woodstock Fair grounds. The evening started with a review of the Pre-Plan, which is a basic guideline for operations, equipment staging, personnel assignments and response to the fair and general public needs, for all four days of the fair’s activities. In addition, radio protocols and accountability of personnel working at the fair were also reviewed. The attendees were divided into two groups, consisting of a combination of the different departments that would be on the grounds at any given time. Each group was given its own scenario of an event that could possibly happen at any time on any given day. The exercise was limited to.. “the first thirty minutes” .. of responding to each scenario. This time period is critical, in that it can determine how well a response to an incident is begun. Factors included in addressing the response were, the setting up of a command structure, getting to the scene and securing it, crowd control, animal control, handling any fire and victim search and rescue needs, triaging of victims, setting up treatment and transport areas, and how to handle incoming resources responding to the mass casualty incident. The key point of this table top exercise was to underscore that on any given day of the fair, there is a defined level of staffing and equipment scheduled to be on the fair grounds and any type of large scale incident would have to be handled, within the first thirty minutes, by those first responders until additional help arrived.

2012 WVFA Station 76 Appreciation Dinner Saturday, March 10, 2012 by Scott Hazelton The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association held its annual Appreciation Dinner on March 10th at the Woodstock Academy cafeteria. Jackie Desabre and the crew of Flik, the independent food contractor for Woodstock Academy, prepared the buffet style dinner. A total of 50 people attended. This year a few local businesses were honored for their continued support of the department over many years. President Scott Hazelton presented Joseph Carlone of Linemaster Switch with a plaque for his recent financial assistance to provide GPS devices for the ambulances and fire apparatus, as well as refurbishing the meeting room with new chairs. President Scott Hazelton presented a plaque to Doug Young of Woodstock Orchards, honoring the Orchard for its many years of support and providing snow removal to the department. Doug Young was also individually recognized by the department for his years as the WVFA Captain, having stepped down from that position in August, 2011. Chief Tim Young presented Doug with a plaque in honor of his service to the department. Deputy Chief Mike Dougherty reported a total of 550 calls between fire and EMS - 447 were EMS, 140 were fire, and 37 were a combination of both. This represents a 3% increase over the prior year. EMS Captain Sue Calaman expressed thanks to the continued support of the voluntary EMS personnel, as well as for the paid EMS staff. The WVFA Support Team made sure just about everyone walked away with a gift – all generously donated by local businesses.     Doug Young was honored for his service to   the department and accepted the award for Woodstock Orchards.      Joseph Carlone of Linemaster Switch     Deb Pratt (right) receiving her award for service to the fire department.  Left to Right: Chief Tim Young, President Scott Hazelton and Deb Pratt.

Thank you for Woodstock Fair 2011 Coverage Labor Day Weekend September 2-5, 2011 by Sue Calaman The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association wishes to extend a sincere thanks to all area Fire and Emergency Medical Services personnel who volunteered to stand by during the 2011 Woodstock Fair.  Fire assistance was provided by the Bungay Fire Brigade and the Muddy Brook Fire Department, both from Woodstock.  The Community Fire Department from Thompson and Putnam EMS sent ambulances and crews to stand by for EMS requests on the grounds.  Fair Horse Show EMS coverage was provided by members of the Pomfret Fire Department.  American Ambulance personnel were also there, providing paramedic service for those patients in need of more advanced care.  In addition, EMS personnel from many other area services volunteered their time at the First Aid facility.  During the four days of the Fair, there were over twenty requests for ambulance service, and over one hundred people were treated in First Aid.    We deeply appreciate the cooperation and professionalism of our Fire and EMS colleagues.  An event of this size would not be possible without your help.

Bungay, Muddy Brook and WVFA: Woodstock Fire Department's Family Picnic Sunday, August 21, 2011 by Iris Arsenault   Softball game with members from all 3 departments. A good time was had by all of those who attended the fire departments family picnic held at Roseland Park. Members from the Woodstock’s three fire departments, Muddy Brook Fire Dept. Station 75, Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77 and Woodstock Volunteer Fire Assn. Station 76 got together for an afternoon of fun, horseshoes, a softball game, snow cones,  lots of good food and plenty of laughs. While the thunderstorms were hovering, the storm quickly moved out for the dept. members to complete a friendly game of softball before the grilling began. Team Chandler won the game over Team Wooton. (Final score will not to be disclosed.) After the softball game members enjoyed all the barbequed food and desserts, before returning for another game of horseshoes. Organized by members from Muddy Brook, to be held in a central location incase a emergency call came in, this was the 2nd annual picnic where members and their families from each department were able to mingle, and  get to know each other better in a non-emergency situation, while enjoying the day and having some fun. WVFA 76 Members Jon Roy, Iris Arsenault and Jeff Arsenault Seth Spalding, MBFD & Mike Lawrence, BFB & unknown young man. Muddy Brook Member "Grizz" ready to grill.

Local CT Area Fire Departments Team up for a: Tornado Storm Relief Boot Drive CT Neighbors helping Neighbors in Massachusetts Raising $5,521.95 Boots ready to start the boot drive. Saturday, June 18, 2011 by Iris Arsenault On Saturday, June 18th from 8am to 1pm, four local Connecticut fire departments from the Northeast corner teamed together for a Tornado Storm Relief Boot Drive to raise money for their neighbors in Massachusetts. Community Fire Station 81, Woodstock Vol. Fire Assn. Station 76, Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77 and Muddy Brook Fire Dept. Station 75 organized this boot drive in less than 2 weeks. With Community Station 81 accepting donations at two locations in Thompson, and the Woodstock fire departments accepting donations at two locations in Woodstock, the total boot drive raised approx. $5521.95 with all donations to be given to their neighboring towns of Massachusetts who were the victims of the devastating June 1 tornadoes. Jeff Arsenault, WVFA Station 76 and Brenda Houghton, Bungay Station 77   The generosity from the public and the community was overwhelming. People from Ohio, Maine, New York, Massachusetts, and Connecticut and beyond donated at the boot drive. The fire department members received many thank yous from donators for doing this to help out the Massachusetts towns. A thank you came from a woman who lives in Monson who was directly affected from the tornadoes was travelling thru Woodstock when she stopped to thank the fire department members for what they were doing. Another woman from Sturbridge whose house was damaged on Fiske Hill in Sturbridge even stopped to make a donation and say thank you. Donations being collected. The idea began when a member Chris Plasse from Community Fire Company Station 81 contacted members of Woodstock’s WVFA Station 76, and Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77 and said “we need to join forces and activate our toy drive team to do something for our Massachusetts neighbors affected by the tornadoes”.  And, without hesitation, all three of Woodstock’s fire departments including Muddy Brook Fire Dept. Station 75 were activated to join forces with Community Fire to complete the boot drive team. Children wanted to donate into the boot to Aaron Perry from Bungay Station 77. We would like to thank those who took the time to donate and their patience when travelling thru the boot drive locations. Without all your generosity, the success of helping neighbors in Massachusetts would not have been possible. “Neighbors helping Neighbors, doesn’t have to stop at the Stateline.” When asked the question: Why did you decide to have your department join in? "Bungay’s motto is neighbors helping neighbors and with the tragedy of the tornadoes being so close to Woodstock we wanted to help our neighbors to the north" --- Roy Chandler, Fire Chief-Bungay Station 77 Muddy Brook Station 75 Bungay Station 77 members collecting donations.

 

Mutual aid departments assist Bungay Fire Station 77 with saving the house: Structure Fire on Center Road Saturday, June 11, 2011 by Iris Arsenault     On Saturday, June 11th, the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association Station 76, along with other area town fire departments went mutual aid to assist Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77 with a structure fire. The call went out indicating a barn attached to the house. While most of the barn is a total loss, the main part of the house was saved. Great team work by all of those involved.

Woodstock EMTs receive awards at: Danielson ceremony celebrates EMTs and residents Wednesday, May 18, 2011   EMT/EMS awards Lifesaver award: Woodstock's Crew: Susan Calaman, EMT,  WVFA Station 76 (Woodstock); Iris Arsenault, EMT, WVFA Station 76 (Woodstock); Michael Schadone, EMT-P, WVFA Station 76 (Woodstock); Roland Vespia, Paramedic, American Ambulance. Julie and Mark Francis, called 911. Volunteer of the year: Roy Chandler, EMT, Fire Chief, Bungay Station 77, (Woodstock)   Educator of the year award: Karen and Richard Sanders Special recognition: Greg Frani, Barbara Domaleski EMT of the year: Shayne Kettle Paramedic of the year: Christopher Colonair Humanitarian of the year: Walter Hirtle     (article taken from The Bulletin) By ALISON SHEA For The Bulletin Danielson, Conn. — Frank Krushefsky died on top of Julie and Mark Francis’ Christmas tree on Nov. 21, 2010. The 78-year-old Woodstock Valley man had been loading a stately conifer onto the couple’s car at his tree farm. On Wednesday, six months later, Krushefsky stood at the center of Danielson’s Imperial Room banquet hall, posing for pictures with the Francises, who called 911 that day. Their call, Emergency Medical Services workers said, started the chain of response that saved Krushefsky’s life. “I thought, ‘This was the end, I’ll never survive this,’” he said of the seconds after his collapse. But then, he said, there were people pounding on his chest, slapping him, cutting his clothes off and shocking his chest. “This is why I’m here tonight,” Krushefsky said, thanking the emergency medical technicians, paramedics and his grandson, Bungay Fire Brigade Chief Roy Chandler, for saving him. EMTs and paramedics Iris Arsenault, Michael Shadone, Susan Calaman and Roland Vespia were each honored with lifesaving awards from Day Kimball Hospital for their work in Krushefsky’s case at the EMS awards dinner Wednesday. The awards ceremony was part of the annual National EMS Week, said Ralph Miro, Day Kimball Hospital’s emergency room nursing director and EMS coordinator. The Francises, too, were honored with lifesaving awards. Though they’re not medical professionals, Miro said their award should serve as a reminder that “a major link in saving someone’s life is calling 911.” Other awards given out Wednesday focused on how large a role the honorees had played in affecting the lives of others and shaping the careers of the medical professionals around them. The Humanitarian of the Year, Walter Hirtle, was noted for his commitment to emergency medical services overseas. Miro read an email with which Hirtle had sought automated external defibrillators, among other medical technology, for Haitian EMS crews. The defibrillators, Miro read from Hirtle’s email, would help “save one more.” Karen and Richard Sanders, the educators of the year, said they had probably trained nine-tenths of the paramedics and EMTs in the room. EMT of the Year Shayne Kettle and Paramedic of the Year Christopher Colonair were noted for going above and beyond in teaching and training new EMTs and paramedics. Greg Frani, the hospital’s Life Star coordinator, was given a special recognition award, as was Barbara Domaleski, an emergency room nurse at Day Kimball for 51 years.   Article: Danielson ceremony celebrates EMTs and residents - Norwich, CT - The Bulletin http://www.norwichbulletin.com/archive/x1357383291/Danielson-ceremony-celebrates-EMTs-and-residents#ixzz1OYJ2YCdK

Woodstock's Dive & Rescue Team hosted: Ice Dive Rescue Training Thursday, February 24 - Sunday, February 27, 2011 Mike Dougherty, WVFA (left) and Allan Kelly, MBFD (yellow suit) along with other personnel assist with diver Aaron Perry, BFB. A four-day ice rescue dive training and certification seminar was held by the Woodstock Dive and Rescue Team which together consists of members from Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association Station 76 (WVFA), Muddy Brook Fire Department Station 75 and Bungay Fire Brigade Station 77 for certified divers starting on Thursday, February 24th – Sunday, February 27th.  Training seminar was taught by a team of instructors from World-renowned, Team Lifeguard Systems, Inc. (www.teamlgs.com), from Shokan, NY. Two-days of classroom time was held at the WVFA station and two days ice diving was held at the YMCA Camp in Woodstock on Black Pond. Team Lifeguard Systems, Inc. instructors carefully watch over student divers to assure complete diver safety and learning. Three of the four instructors: Left kneeling; Walt (Butch), center standing; Matt, far right standing; Brian. Divers simulated frozen water rescues with each individual diver accumulating more than 50 hours of ice dive training to obtain their certifications at the end of the day on Sunday. Divers and personnel from other area towns in CT, and out of state from Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Delaware participated in this ice dive training.  There was Guilford Fire Dept’s Diver John Planas listening to additional instructions.     a total of (30) divers and (15) line support tenders.   The Woodstock Dive Team and their department members have spent many hours preparing for this program along with Dive Cove, Essex, CT, who in joint effort with the Woodstock Dive Team helped host this event, to make this rescue ice dive training seminar a huge success. Phil Mahoney, a Woodstock Volunteer Fire Assn. Diver completes his final spidering to emerge from the final hole for completion of course requirements. Thank you to all the members of all the fire departments, individuals, participants, YMCA Camp of Woodstock, Dive Cove, and Team Lifeguard Systems who all contributed in making this diver’s training seminar a huge success. A special thank you to the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Assn. Support Team and the Muddy Brook Auxiliary members for providing breakfast, lunches, coffee and snacks for the group throughout the entire training. Ice Dive Event slideshow - click here

WVFA and mutual aid depts. battle Senexet Road Brush Fire Wednesday, November 24, 2010 Woodstock Volunteer Fire Assn. Station 76 along with mutual aid from Bungay Station 77,  Muddy Brook Station 75, and West Thompson Station 82 fought a 3-4 acre brush fire off Senexet Road in the late night and into the early hours of Thanksgiving morning. Fire was under control at approximately 2:30-3:00 am. Fire crews returned to the scene at 7 am to eliminate any hot spots that may have developed. WVFA Station 76 would like to thank all the mutual aid departments who assisted with fighting the fire and also thank the surrounding town fire departments  who stood by and covered the Woodstock stations.

Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association: Woodstock Fairgrounds Mass Casualty Drill Tuesday, August 17, 2010 by Sue Calaman On Tuesday, August 17th, the Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association hosted a mass casualty drill at the Woodstock Fairgrounds. The scenario involved a fire with propane gas explosion in the cattle barn. Smoke was generated by machine to simulate the lack of visibility that would exist in the event of an actual fire. Apparatus and personnel responded from the three Woodstock departments, Community Fire and Ambulance, Putnam EMS and Fire, Pomfret EMS and Fire, as well as Mortlake Fire and KB Ambulance. Quinebaug Valley Emergency Communications provided two dispatchers to run virtual dispatch for the incident. 30-40 volunteers acted as victims made up to simulate various levels of injury. They were staged in and around the barn and extricated by firefighters, then EMS personnel performed triage and treatment as needed. The WVFA Support Team provided much-needed refreshments at the conclusion of the drill. Such drills are an invaluable part of emergency services training, especially in the case of a mass gathering such as the Woodstock Fair. Knowing the correct procedures in the event of such an incident will greatly contribute to the saving of lives and property. WVFA wishes to thank everyone who gave of their time and expertise, be they emergency workers, makeup artists, general organizers, cookie bakers, or willing victims. Without you such an event would be impossible.                   WVFA Station 76 Photos Play slideshow Norwich Bulletin Article & Video click here "Fake casualties, barn blaze give firefighters learning tools" Norwich Bulletin Photo Gallery "Woodstock Fairgrounds Mass Casualty Drill"

Muddy Brook Fire Department, Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association and Bungay Fire Brigade are celebrating 75 YEARS of dedicated volunteer service to the Town of Woodstock. Past and present members were invited to attend a celebration dinner that was held on Saturday, March 6, 2010  at the Thompson Speedway’s Raceway Restaurant.

Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association is seeking New Members to Volunteer The Woodstock Volunteer Fire Association is seeking new members to volunteer as EMS personnel and Firefighters. Training and equipment will be provided. E-mail inquiries to contact@wvfa76.org. For more information click on Recruitment. n  Download Application to Join

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