From the Eastford Independent Fire Company #1, Inc.
Thank you to the residents of Eastford for your continued support of our proposed budget that was passed on June 4. This budget will allow the Eastford Independent Fire Co. to continue our training and maintenance of our fire and rescue apparatus.
Ten “911” calls were responded to during the month of June. Drills included pumping techniques on all trucks, boat operations, flow testing and allergic reactions/interventions review. Due to the generosity of Benway & Son Auto Body Shop in Pomfret, the members, in full gear, practiced extrication techniques, using extrication tools for the safe and quick rescue of a person who may be trapped in a vehicle. See the photo included with this article.
While Santa’s elves were busy at the North Pole preparing for Christmas, Santa himself was escorted riding on an Engine Tanker through the Charlie Brown Campground to the delight of the children and adults.
On a more solemn note, members, along with ET171, R171 and S171, participated in the annual “Silas Run” in memory of member EMS Lieutenant Silas Bunnell, who passed away in April 2018. Silas joined the EIFC as a Junior Member in 2013. He took pride in his work, offering his computer expertise and only a phone call away to support his peers and fellow officers. He became proficient as a pump operator on Engine Tanker 171 (a picture of which is included with this article) and earned the rank of CAR 971 in June of 2017. There were approximately 300 people in attendance at the J.N. Webster Scout Reservation in Ashford for a “Celebration of Life” honoring Silas. Run fees and donations were contributed to a fund in his name to help subsidize scholarships for potential Scout campers. There was a true sense of fellowship and support from friends, family, and local fire departments that was felt by all. RIP – CAR 971.
- Submitted by Jeannine Spink, Veteran Member