New Boston NH Fireman's Breakfast

First Sunday of the month 8:30am - 10:30am at the Fire Station Adults: $6.00 Children/Seniors: $3.00 All you can eat!

Merrimack NH Parade Sunday Dec 7, from Merrimack Commons either noon or 1pm - The new Forestry 3 will debut

Note: After nearly 2 decades of having a Holiday Parade, Salem NH will not be having a parade this November

Dec 9, 2003 - HUDSON NH -- Acting Fire Chief Shawn Murray is now heading up the department permanently.

Murray, 42, was a captain and EMS coordinator in Goffstown before becoming the assistant fire chief in May 2001.

EAST DERRY
Saturday, Dec 13, 2003 - Open House, 9-11 am Station Two English Range Road

Motorcade, departing at 11am from Station Two to Station One

Reception, 12-2pm Station One Hampstead Road



HAMPSTEAD
Sunday December 14, 2003 - Christmas Parade 1:00pm

Capital Reserve Funds will be used to replace an aging dispatch console, that recently was unusable for a three hour period

The new console, expected to cost $142,000 is scheduled to be up and running the first week of February 2004.

COMPLETE STORY AT: Fitchburg Sentinel

Lancaster poised to select its first full-time fire chief By Caitlyn Kelleher
LANCASTER -- A day after the burial of part-time firefighter Martin H. McNamara V, who died Saturday inside a Mill Street fire, selectmen said they are poised to appoint the town's first full-time fire chief.

Edward L. Bigelow, retired Marlborough fire chief, is expected to sign the contract Monday after completing a medical physical.

Bigelow worked for seven years as the fire chief in Marlborough. He started his career in 1974 as a call, or part-time, firefighter. He has also worked in training programs and as a fire safety consultant.

We regret the loss of a fire fighter who was killed while fighting a 2nd Alarm. He was found in the basement.

Our Prayers are with him and the family and department.
May he rest in peace.

Calling hours: 12/1/2003 Monday 14:00-16:00 and 19:00-21:00
Philman-Commeau Funeral Home 175 Water Street in Clinton
 
Funeral Tuesday 12/2/2003 - St. John's Church 80 Union Street, Clinton MA 11:00 - Stage at St. John's Gym, 149 Chestnut Street, by 09:00 - Class A uniform is required

Arrangement Announcement

Derry Fire Department and Ambulance Service
FY 2003 Fire / EMS Call Breakdown

Fire Responses / Activity

Building Fires 29
Vehicle Fires 21
Brush Fires 31
Other Fires 0
Alarm Call With No Fire 407
Engine Response with Amb 1186
Hazardous Conditions Calls 195
Other Calls/Good Intent 86
Service Calls 86
Mutual Aid Given 92
Mutual Aid Received 41

Burning Permits 1655
Assembly Permits 35
Commercial Occupancy Insp 802
Oil Burner Inspections 50
Gas Inspections 147
Plans Reviews 240
Blasting Permits 16

Fire Prevention School Visits 69
Elderly Facility Visit 1
Fire Station Tours 74
Child Car Seat Safety Insp 150
Bike Medic Details 15
Fire Extinguishers Training 5
Public Safety Programs 3

EMS Responses 3422
Patients Transported 2633
from Derry 2342
from Auburn 115
from Chester 120
from other towns 56

Patients refusing transport 754

Total FD and EMS Activity 8817

Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Department Chief Ben Bean is retiring, January 30, 2004. Chief Bean has 43 years of service with Wolfeboro, starting as a volunteer. Bean rose through the ranks, as lieutenant, then captain. He was appointed assistant fire chief in the 1980's. Bean became Chief in August 1999. Bean's post retirement interest will include antiquing and work on his farm and sawmill

Longtime Fire Chief Dick Wright will retire at the end of December. Loudon is looking to hire the town's first full-time chief who is expected to be named later this month. The town is looking within the department for a new chief. Town meeting approved the position becoming full time in March, replacing a volunteer chief with a full-time chief.

Fire Chief Leon Blaisdell will retire the end of March 2004. Blaisdell has served Rye for 32 years

Saturday Nov 29, 2003 - 1:00pm
Broadway Downtown then up Crystal Ave

November Events

Somersworth NH Saturday, November 8
Somersworth Fire Department Ham & Bean Supper 195 Maple Street Extension 4 to 7:30 PM, Adults $5.95, children 5-12 $3, kids under 5 free. Benefits the Somersworth Toy Bank

Troy NH Nov 8, 2003 7:00pm - Troy Annual Dance Extravaganza
Troy School - $10.00 per person
Live music featuring Groove Alliance

Jaffrey Friday November 14, 2003 - Turkey Social and Raffle
Jaffrey Fire Station - 138 Turnpike Road (Rte 124 East)
For info call (603) 532-8377
Or e-mail fire@town.jaffrey.nh.us

Cornish VT Saturday November 22, 2003
Holiday Bazaar - 8:30am - 2:00pm at Cornish Town Hall
Ornaments and Holiday Crafts
Sponsored by the Cornish Fire Department Auxiliary

Manchester NH Sunday November 16, 2003
Heroes Helping Heroes Phone Home, 1st Annual 5k Operation Uplink Road Race. Manchester 10:00AM Cohas Fire Station, E. Industrial Park Dr. (Walkers are welcome). Contact: Wayne Georgiana/Operation Uplink, PO Box 5394, Manchester, NH, USA, 03108. 603-540-8146 mfd533@comcast.net

Award Recipients through 10/10/03
Alstead NH Alstead Fire Ops and FF Safety $10,800

Auburn Vol. FD NH Auburn Fire Ops and FF Safety $48,789 8/15/2003

Bradford FD NH Bradford Fire Ops and FF Safety $10,800 8/1/2003

Brookline FD NH Brookline Fire Ops and FF Safety $6,964

Chester FD NH Chester Fire Ops and FF Safety $42,970

Claremont FD NH Claremont Fire Ops & FF Safety $41,040

Derry FD NH Derry Fire Ops and FF Safety $213,770

Francestown FD NH Francestown Fire Ops and FF Safety $14,775

Freedom Fire and Rescue NH Freedom Fire Ops and FF Safety $45,648

Fremont FD NH Fremont Fire Ops and FF Safety $32,400

Gilsum Vol. FD & Rescue Squad NH Gilsum Fire Ops and FF Safety $8,978

Goshen NH Goshen Fire Ops and FF Safety $20,250 6/19/2003

Grafton VFD NH Grafton Firefighting Vehicle $130,500

Greenville Fire Rescue NH Greenville Firefighting Vehicle $145,530

Haverhill Corner FD NH Haverhill Fire Ops and FF Safety $37,260

Hill FD NH Hill Fire Ops and FF Safety $5,400

Hinsdale FD NH Hinsdale Fire Ops and FF Safety $23,400

Jefferson FD NH Jefferson Fire Ops and FF Safety $47,700

Kensington VFD NH Kensington Fire Ops and FF Safety $5,225

Lincoln VFD NH Lincoln Fire Ops and FF Safety $25,200

Londonderry Fire/Rescue NH Londonderry Fire Prevention $27,700

Madbury FD NH Madbury Fire Ops and FF Safety $74,997

Meredith FD NH Meredith Fire Ops and FF Safety $22,140

Meriden Vol. FD NH Meriden Fire Ops and FF Safety $35,082

Middleton Fire Rescue NH Middleton Fire Ops and FF Safety $59,760

Milford FD NH Milford Fire Ops and FF Safety $74,250

New Ipswich FD NH New Ipswich Firefighting Vehicle $192,600

Haverhill - No Haverhill FD NH North Haverhill Fire Ops and FF Safety $39,032

Pittsburg FD NH Pittsburg Fire Ops and FF Safety $82,421

Sandown NH Sandown Fire Ops and FF Safety $47,488

Shelburne FD NH Shelburne Fire Ops and FF Safety $12,179

Sutton Vol. FD NH North Sutton Fire Ops and FF Safety $47,025

Carroll - Twin Mountain FD NH Twin Mountain Fire Ops and FF Safety $45,900

Warren Volunteer FD NH WARREN Fire Ops and FF Safety $63,000

Whitefield Fire/Rescue NH Whitefield Fire Ops and FF Safety $54,013

Winnisquam FD NH Winnisquam Fire Ops and FF Safety $10,800

Total $1,805,786

  Last Updated: October 09, 2003

The Goffstown News is reporting that Fire Chief Frank Carpentino is proposing a plan for expanded firefighting and EMS coverage. The plan calls for 24-hour service Monday through Thursday and 10 hours of service on Friday. Coverage the balance of the time would be by call firefighters.

Weare NH
Friday November 14, 2003
The New Engine 5 is now in quarters at the South Station. The old Engine 5 is new Engine 1 and will be stationed at Central. The Rescue will now be stationed at Central Station

Wolfeboro Fire-Rescue Department Chief Ben Bean is retiring, January 30, 2004. Chief Bean has 43 years of service with Wolfeboro, starting as a volunteer. Bean rose through the ranks, as lieutenant, then captain. He was appointed assistant fire chief in the 1980's. Bean became Chief in August 1999. Bean's post retirement interest will include antiquing and work on his farm and sawmill

Nov 6, 2003 - The Derry News is reporting in a surprising development, that nine year member of the East Derry Fire Commission, David Nelson, has resigned. In another fire department related story, the Derry News is reporting that East Derry Fire Commissioners may boycott the upcoming November 15th Town Council meeting to discuss boundary issues

Longtime Fire Chief Dick Wright will retire at the end of December. Loudon is looking to hire the town's first full-time chief who is expected to be named later this month. The town is looking within the department for a new chief. Town meeting approved the position becoming full time in March, replacing a volunteer chief with a full-time chief.

featuring Bobby Vee's Rock & Roll Reunion
November 23, 2003  - 3:00 & 7:30 pm Shows
UNH Whittemore Arena - Durham, NH

Amherst new Fire Chief John DeSilva, recently had the opportunity to swear in new Fire Department Officers

October 5-11, 2003 and beyond
National Fire Prevention Week.
Alphabetical order by town

Allenstown NH
Thursday October 9, 2003 - 7:00pm - 9:00pm
Open house

Bartlett NH
October 16-19, 2003
Annual Emergency Medical Services Conference
Sponsored by Littleton Regional Hospital

Bath
Thursday October 2, 2003 5:00pm-7:00pm
Firemen's Supper with Roast Turkey
Bath Congregational Church

Bedford
Tuesday October 7, 2003 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Bedford Fire Department will be hosting our annual Fire Prevention Open House on Tuesday October 7, 2003 between the hours of 5:00pm - 8:00pm. This open house has been a cooperative effort between Bedford Fire Department and Papa Gino's Restaurants. BFD will be hosting Demonstrations of "Get Out and Stay Out", NH 911 education, fire apparatus rides, free slice of pizza from Papa Gino's and lots of give aways.

Bennington VT
Saturday, October 4, 2003
Fire Prevention Day: Hands on demonstrations of fire trucks, hoses and fire extinguishers to celebrate National Fire Prevention Month. The Apple Barn and Country Bake Shop (Route 7 South), Noon-3 pm. Free. 802-447-7780 or 888-8-APPLES http://www.theapplebarn.com/

Bellows Falls Vlg VT
Town of Rockingham
Sunday October 12, 2003 - Noon
Fire Parade

Bradford NH
Saturday Oct 18, 2003
Spaghetti Supper to benefit Bradford Rescue Squad 5pm-7pm at Masonic Lodge next to fire station Adults $5.00

Brookline NH
Saturday Oct 11, 2003
Open House - 2:00pm-4:00pm

Roast Beef Dinner at Firehouse
2 seatings - 5:00pm and 6:30pm
Advanced tickets recommended for 2nd seating
Info: Brian Moore 673-1129

Brownsville VT
Friday, October 3, 2003
Annual Food and Rummage Sale
Sponsored by West Windsor Fire Dept and FAST Squad and the Brownsville Community Church
9am-2pm and 6pm-8pm
At town hall

Concord NH
Saturday, October 4, 2003
Fire Safety & Kids Workshop
Home Depot, 9AM-12Noon
Fire Apparatus, CFD's New Fire Education Trailer & crafts will be done.

Friday, October 10, 2003
Open House Heights Station 7 (Loudon Rd)
1PM-5PM Tour of Firehouse, Free Pizza from Papa Gino's, Fire Education Trailer.

Saturday, October 11, 2003
Fire Safety Day at Everett Arena (Loudon Rd)
Concord FD & Capital Area FD's on site demonstrating various skills and displaying equipment.
Hamburgers, Hot Dogs, soda, etc. available for a small fee w/profits going to the Concord Firefighters Relief Association.
Again, the new CFD Fire Education trailer will be on site.

There "WILL NOT" be a parade this year.

Derry NH
Open House
Saturday October 11, 2003
Traffic Circle Rte 102 (East Broadway)

East Derry NH
Open House, both stations
Saturday October 11, 2003
Open House Saturday October 11 from 12:00 to 4:00 PM at both EDFP Fire Stations. Station 1 will hold a vehicle extrication demonstration at 2:00 PM, Station 2 will do the same at 3:00 PM. Bring your family, tour your fire houses, talk to your firefighters, pick up free literature on home fire safety!

Grantham NH
Saturday October 4, 2003
Old Home Day
Unknown if any public safety related activities

Hudson Fire - Fire Prevention Activities
Hudson will be visiting three -(3) Business 'Partners' during the week of Fire Prevention. Planned businesses are the new Mobile-On-The-Run, 329 Derry Street, Wal-Mart, 254 Lowell Road and 77 Derry Street, Shop and Save. These businesses have not been finalized and the visit would include the Pub Ed trailer filled with prevention give-aways, gun locks, the ever popular "Freddie" the Fire Truck and a member of the Prevention Division.
Call Hudson Fire for more info.
Update on Hudson: Thursday? - "Freddie" the fire truck will be at Papa Ginos tonight from 3:30 PM to 7 PM at 77 Derry Street. The Pub Ed trailer will be at Walmart, 254 Lowell Road also tonight from 3 PM to 5 PM. Both locations will have hand outs and visits by Hudson Firefighters. Friday night, the Pub Ed trailer will be at 329 Derry Rd., the new Mobile-On-The-Run from 3:30 PM until 4:30 PM manned , then hand outs and videos will be on site from 4:30 until around 6 PM. Please call Hudson Fire Prevention at 886-6021, extensions 233 or 231 for more information.

Jaffrey
Sunday Oct 5, 2003
Open House and Buffet Breakfast
138 Turnpike Road (Rte 124 East) Adults $5.75, Seniors $5.00, Children $4.00
All you can eat

Jefferson NH
Pancake Breakfast
Sunday October 12, 2003 7am-11am
Odd Fellows Hall Rte 2

Lancaster NH
Friday October 10, 2003 at 7:00 pm
Parade of Lights

Littleton NH
Saturday October 4, 2003 1:00pm-4:00pm
Fire Station Open House
West Main Street
Sunday October 5, 2003 at 7:00 pm
Parade of Lights

Keene Fire Department Firemans' Ball Sponsored by Keene Local 3265 Date: Friday, October 3rd, 2003 Location:  Best Western Hotel - 401 Winchester Street, Keene Time: 8:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.   Tickets: $ 10.00 per person, or   $ 15.00 per couple Tickets Available at the Keene Fire Department Central Station located at 32 Vernon Street, Keene.  For More Information, Please Call (603) 375-9861 All tickets must be purchased by September 29th, 2003 Sorry, NO tickets available at the door.   Proper dress and ID required at the door. Fire Department members are encouraged to wear Class A attire.

Londonderry NH
Sunday October 5, 2003 1:00pm - 4:00pm
Open House - Central Fire Station Mammoth Road

Manchester NH
Sunday October 5,2003
Parade, Flea Market and Muster
Parade @ Noon Elm St at Salmon St south to Merrimack Street
Flea Market across from Central Fire Station 100 Merrimack Street

Meadowood (Fitzwilliam) NH
Saturday October 11,2003
50th Anniversary Potluck Dinner
Meadowood Assembly Hall
Meadowood Fire Department was formed Oct 11,1953 and was on automatic response to fires in eight surrounding towns

Open House
Sat Oct 11, 2003 10:00an - 3:00pm
Meadowood Fire Station and Drill Yard


Merrimack NH
Saturday October 4, 2003 11:00am-1:30pm
Merrimack Fire Rescue Open House
Free Papa Gino's Pizza and Hot Dogs from the Angus Butcher
Parking across the street from Central Fire Station

Nashua Fire
Saturday October 4, 2003 11:00 AM - 2:00PM
Lake Street Community Fire Station
177 Lake Street - Open House, free pizza

Newton NH
Saturday October 4, 2003 noon to 4:00pm
Fire Station Open House
South Main Street

Pelham Wednesday Oct 22, 2003 - 9:30am, to 11:00am
4th annual fire prevention day at Chunky's Cinerma

Peterborough NH
Saturday October 11 from 10:00am to 2:0pm
Open House - 16 Summer Street, Rain or Shine

Piermont NH
October 18, 2003 6:30pm
Fire Department Auction
at the fire station in Piermont
Call (603) 272-5802 for details

Pittsburg NH
October 11, 2003 10:00am
Fire Department Auction
at the fire station in Pittsburg

Pittsfield NH
Saturday October 11, 2003 - noon to 3:00pm
Open House

Sanford ME
October 5, 2003 - Parade
Unknown exact time, around noon

Shelburne
Oct 16, 2003 - 10am-3pm
Fundraisers for Fire-Rescue Teddy Bears
Vermont Teddy Bear Company

Sutton NH
Oct 18, 2003 6:00pm-7:30pm
Turkey Supper - Sutton Fire House
Adults $8.00 - Sponsored by Sutton Ridgerunners

Wardsboro VT
Sunday October 12, 2003 10:00am - 2:00pm
Open House

Windham NH
Sunday October 5, 2003 10:00am-2:00pm
Open House

West Dummerston VT
Sunday Oct 12, 2003 7am-11:30am
Annual Pancake Breakfast
at West Dummerston Vol FD
Adults $6.00

Worcester MA
October 3-5, 2003
Fourth Annual Worcester Firefighter's Memorial Safety & Survival Seminar - http://www.wfd1009.org

Oct 13,2003 - Fire Chief Frank McConnell turned in his resignation, effective immediately. The letter of resignation offered no reason for the decision

Kevin Chamberlain has been announced as Acting Chief. David Chamberlain remains as Assistant Chief

McConnell, had served with the Providence RI Fire Department for 28 years, attaining the rank of Captain

October 5, 2003 - Jay Lord, who has served the Hampton Falls Volunteer Fire Department since 1986, was appointed Chief by the board of selectmen. Lord had been serving as interim chief since February, when former chief Mark Wooles resigned

October 5, 2003 - Donald Waldron was named as Londonderry Fire Department's Firefighter of the Year. Waldron joined the department in 1998. Waldron lives in Amherst and is a part time police officer in Mont Vernon.

By Eric Baxter
News Editor
The Salem Observer
October 23, 2003
Reprinted by permission of the Salem Observer/Eric Baxter 10/29/03

FD changes radio plans

The Salem Fire Department has struggled with radio "dead spots" for several years. However, a new plan to put a 180-foot tower on Spicket Hill may put an end to the department's broadcast problem for good.

Deputy Chief Paul Parisi told selectmen Monday night that changes to the department's original solution to the problems were suggested after a radio consultant examined the plan.

"(The consultant) took a hard look at the current situation and what we were asking for and moved the transmitter plan for a free-standing radio antennae on Spicket Hill," Parisi said.

In March voters approved a request for $180,000 for communication improvements. The idea was to improve transmission success from below 90 percent to an estimated 95-percent to 98-percet success. Public service agency standards look to have most radio systems achieve a 90-percent efficiency rating.

One of the challenges facing fire fighters is their constant work within buildings that dampen signal strength. While recent upgrades to receivers have solved part of the problems, their transmission capabilities are below what they consider effective.

Parisi said the current systems posed a firefighter safety issue.

The low elevation of the current broadcast antennae location at Central Station of Main Street prevents signals from effectively reaching both portable and fixed radios. Locating the new antennae to the top of Spicket Hill meant better broadcast potential.

Parisi said he was coming before the board as a courtesy and to inform them of the changes to the original plan. The department will also go before the planning board and notify abutters of the plan and possible construction. Parisi stressed that the tower would only be used by the fire service with possible use by the police or Department of Public Works. The tower would not be equipped for, or used by, cellular phone companies.

Saturday Oct 25, 2003 - 09:00AM

http://www.ares.nhradio.org/

Sunday October 26, 2003 - 1pm-4pm
Trick or Treaters invited to visit their neighbor fire stations for candy

Pelham NH
Saturday October 25, 2003 - 530pm
Pelham Firefighters Association is sponsoring its 5th annual Horrible's Parade - All ages are welcome - For info call (603) 635-2703

Deering NH
October 25, 2003 - 4:00pm
The Deering Fire Department Will Be Holding A Ham and Bean Supper at the Deering Town Hall

North Hoosick NY
Oct 24 and 25, 2003 7:00pm - 10:00pm
The North Hoosick Fire Department will be holding its annual haunted house and haunted hay wagon ride on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 24 and 25 from 7 to 10 p.m. at the firehouse on Route 22. The admission will be $4 per person. Children must have adult supervision to attend this event. For further details, contact Bev Flood at 518-686-7458.

Emergency Drills

Berwick ME Saturday Oct. 18, 2003 7:00am - 12 noon
Old Berwick High School

Henniker Saturday Oct. 18, 2003 - 6:30am
16 Grove Street

Concord Saturday Oct. 18, 2003 - 7:00am
By Steinbecks and Trailway Bus Station Hazardous Material Incident

Bomb School
Incendiary and Fireworks Information
for local Police and Fire Departments

When: Tuesday Oct.21 0800-1400 hrs

Where: Hudson Fire Dept. Robinson Rd. Station ( Robinson Rd. is off Rt. 102, just a mile south of the Londonderry line. Watch for the new Mobile gas station, on the corner. Station is approx. 2 mi on the right.)

Presented by the Nashua Bomb Squad, this intense training session will cover the basics from blasting caps to homemade devices. In addition, special section on recovery of injured persons from unknown devices and the problems encountered when entering a room where these devices have been made.

After the classroom session , we will move to the field for work with live devices including homemade devices, blasting caps, and Class B fireworks.

Lunch will be provided courtesy of Hudson Fire and Papa Ginos.

Registration needed. Please reply by email to cchalk@seresc.net or call 603 886-6021 and ask for Prevention Secretary

My dad, my hero, has passed on Saturday October 11, 2003, after a brief illness at 79. The first fire buff I came to know. My father Roger Jean Marcel Bolduc, brought me to my first fire at a church on Arlington Street in Nashua I was still a toddler (c. 1959). Interesting enough, my first five years were spent growing up on Crown Hill, in about the only section spared by the devastating Crown Hill fire.
My interest in shortwave and police band radio listening was apparent from pre-kindergarten days, fostered by my dad, and that by his dad.
An avid Boston Braves fan, he was quite an athlete in his younger days, having played here in Nashua with the likes of Roy Campanella and Don Newcombe.
Thanks dad for the extensive camping trips across the United States, Canada, and Europe. Thanks for all those trips to major and minor league stadiums across the country. Thanks Dad for all the photographs of fire stations you took on all your trips. Thanks.

Robert Webster Fitz

LEBANON - Robert Webster Fitz, 71, died Monday morning, Sept. 15, 2003, at the Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon.

He was born in Burlington, Vt., May 19, 1932, son of the late Robert F. and Helen E. (Webster) Fitz. As a child he moved to Massachusetts, where he attended schools in Wakefield and graduated from Wakefield High School. He later attended Babson College in Mass. He married Virginia Hewitt on Oct. 19, 1953 in Needham, Mass.

He served in the Mass. Army National Guard before enlisting in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict. Following his discharge, he returned to the Wakefield/Melrose area where he began his interest and career in Fire Service as a salesman for Eastman Nozzles in Concord, N.H. He had also worked for the Underwriters Insurance Company of Boston, Mass., for a while before becoming employed by Gamewell Fire Alarm Systems. In 1969, he became Deputy Fire Chief in the Hampton, N.H. Fire Department, later becoming Chief of the Department until 1977, when he moved to Lebanon and became Deputy Chief of the Lebanon Fire Department until his retirement in 1990. He was also employed by Dartmouth College Department of Safety and Security, and at the Hood Museum of Art as a Security Guard. He held volunteer and honorary firefighter status in Grantham and Meriden, N.H. and had served as a volunteer firefighter in Mass. for most of his life. He was a fire inspector for Hanover, and a part-time instructor for the N.H Fire Standards and Training Academy for over 30 years and earned the first Emeritus Award as a Fire Instructor.

His many memberships included life-membership of Box 52, honorary memberof Leather Helmet Society, member SPAAMFAA, American Society of Military Insignia Collectors, Grafton County Fish and Game, AARP, founder and life member of N.H. Municipal Signal Association, life member and Past President of Interstate Emergency Unit, life member of Air Force Association, Mass. Institute of Fire Department , Instructor of Gun Owners of N.H., National Rifle Association, Amoskeag Reserve Engine Company, Veterans of Foreign Wars, N.H. Permanent Firefights Association of Hanover, call fighter, Lebanon Firefighters Association, International Municipal Signal Association, honorary member of N.H. Statewide Notification, honorary life member of Schuylkill Historical Fire Society, Honorary Chief Boston Fire Department, and the N.H. Fire Service Committee of Merit. He was the first honorary member of Local No. 1478 I.A.F.F. in Wakefield, Mass.

He loved animals and was an avid collector of fire, police and military memorabilia and loved sharing his knowledge on the subject.

In addition to his wife, Virginia Fitz of Lebanon, he is survived by three children, Nancy McLain of Lebanon, Robert W. Fitz Jr. of Nashua, and Susan Agan of New Hampton; five grandchildren; two godsons, and nieces and nephews.


FITZ - Robert Webster Fitz, 71, of Lebanon, N.H., died Sept. 15, 2003, in Lebanon. Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at the Ricker Funeral Home, 56 School St., in Lebanon. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Thursday at the First Congregational Church in Lebanon, with the Rev. Richard N. Slater officiating. Burial will be at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery. The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Upper Valley Humane Society, 300 Old Route 10, Enfield, NH 03748-4207 or to the Meriden Volunteer Fire Department, c/o John Woodward-Poor, 29 Barker Road, Plainfield, NH 03781.

Obiturary and Death Notice courtesy of the Portsmouth Herald

Sept 23, 2003 - The Nashua Telegraph in an article by Andrew Nelson is reporting that City officials and union negotiators have signed a new contract. Firefighters also would see allowances for serving on specialized teams.

The contract would expire June 30, 2006. The agreement will be submitted to the Board of Aldermen review.

Part of the agreement will create a dive rescue team with the fire and police departments establishing a Nashua Water Emergency Dive Team.

The contract lowers the number of hours firefighters need to spend on the job to receive overtime pay.

Currently, 58 hours a week are needed to earn time-and-a-half pay. The contract calls for 56 hours, and would be reduce by another two hours in the final remaining two years.

By the end of the contract, the lowest paid firefighter and dispatcher starting on July 1, 2005, would earn $36,953. The highest paid employee would be a certified superintendent, at $72,761.

Sept 20, 2003 - The Fire Department recently held its annual yard sale the Lyndeborough Central School. Earning were about $3,400. The event including a waffle and sausage breakfast

Sept 20, 2003 - Fremont share of the nationwide $12.6 million in federal grants was recently announced. The $32,400 grant will help purchase equipment and conduct safety programs.

Coos County will pay $3,000 as the county's cost of contracting with the city of Berlin for fire coverage for Success.

Bennington NH Old Home Day with fire muster Saturday 8/8/03

Battalion Chief James Richardson and Captain Scott Jackson have recently received RFP's for the upcoming expansion of the Derry Fire Communication Center located at Fire Headquarters. This extensive renovation and expansion will use state of the art hardware and software and will allow for the inter-operability of analog and digital communication.

The projected completion date for this upgrade is December 1, 2003.

Will rebuild over time

The Town of Derry is currently seeking bids for a new Type III Emergency Medical Vehicle for the Derry Fire     Department Ambulance Service.   Posted: 7/9/03  

The Town of Derry is currently seeking bids for a new fire alarm utility bucket truck for the Derry Fire Department.      Posted: 7/17/03

July 11 - Former Burlington Fire Chief Albert George, who served Burlington Fire Department for 40 years, before his death Monday July 11 of cancer at age 65.

While firefighters in dress uniforms were assembling at St. Joseph Cathedral on Thursday for the funeral. someone noticed smoke.

A dozen on-duty firefighters responded, grabbing their gear and jumped onto their trucks. A second alarm was sounded and still more firefighters responded from the steps of the church, pulling off their dress uniforms as they went.

Chief George joined the Fire Department in 1963 as a $4,800-a-year firefighter. He had served longer in the Burlington Fire Department than anyone else in its history.

Gilford - Two new positions approved at town meeting have been filled giving Gilford full coverage during both day and night hours.

Former Gilford volunteer firefighter Brian Blanchette and Rochester resident Shawn Croteau to assume the two new full-time positions needed to operate a three-person shift during night hours.

Fire Chief Mooney indicated that a three-man staff at night was the bare minimum needed to provide adequate coverage to the area.

Derry has named George Klauber as their new chief effective July 28, 2003 Chief Klauber is currently the Fire Chief in Waterbury, Connecticut

Chief Ronald Stowers retired at the end of 2002. Battalion Chief Mike Crosby has been serving in the interim as Chief.

Interim Fire Chief Michael Crosby announced his retirement effective on August 1, 2003 after 30 years of service to the town of Derry.

According to Chief Crosby he and his wife Nancy will go spend the rest of the year at the Northern New Hampshire home, and then go traveling across country this winter.

Derry Fire Department operates under 4 Battalions with 63 total personnel. A Fire Chief, 4 Battalion Chiefs, Administrative Captain, 2 Fire Inspectors, 8 Lieutenants, 39 Fire Fighters, 5 Dispatchers and 1 Administrative Secretary

July 2003 - Fire Chief Allan Wilson and Deputy Keith Nason, resigned, reportedly due to a long-term poor relationship with selectmen.

June 2003 - Goffstown Fire Chief Paul Nault will retire from the department on June 27. Nault, a 29 year veteran became chief in October 2002. The demands of the position were giving as a factor in his resignation

Nault joined the Goffstown Fire Department in 1970, working primarily in the Pinardville station. He became a captain in 1986. As a rookie firefighter in the early 1970s, Nault fought a fire that destroyed the trestle bridge over the Piscataquog River.

Frank Carpentino former Hudson NH Fire Chief has been selected as Goffstown's new Chief.

Interim Chief Michael Crosby announced today that he has appointed Battalion 1 Lieutenant Michael Gagnon to the position of Battalion Chief. Battalion Chief Mike Gagnon will assume the duties of Chief Officer for the men and women of Battalion #1 effective on Friday the 11th of July. His call sign will become O-4.

Battalion Chief Gagnon is a fourteen year veteran of the Derry Fire Department and holds a Bachelor's Degree in Emergency Management. He is also a registered paramedic, and member of the regional Haz-Mat team. He resides in Derry with his wife and son.

Firerescue.us

Our Peterborough Fire Rescue Explorer Post is reselling your.name@firerescue.us email addresses as A fund raiser.

jon.hampson@firerescue.us

Jonathan M. Hampson
Peterborough Fire/Rescue

Jul 13, 2003 - Tamworth NH - Annual Fireman's Auction at South Tamworth Fire Station on Rte 25, the Bearcamp Highway.
Preview 8:30-9:00am, action follows

Almost everything is sold, treasure and junk< by 2:30pm

Cold and Warm food, Moxie and other tonics (soda) will be sold

Ogunquit Fire Rescue
will be sponsoring a Benefit Barbecue for the David Hilton Family on Sometime in August (Date to be announced). at the Agamenticus Ball Field on Agamenticus Road in Ogunquit.

Tickets will be sold in advance and at the gate. The price is $15.00 per person or $25.00 per couple. Friends and family members are welcome. There will also be softball games between departments.

Tickets can be purchased at the Ogunquit Fire Station, or from Chief Doug Patey, Deputy Chief Nate Howe, or Captain Gus Dunham.

All proceeds will be going to the David Hilton Family Relief Fund C/O Kennebunk Savings Bank, 16 Woodbridge Rd. York, Maine 03909

Ogunquit Fire Rescue

Southern Maine Fire Notification sadly announces the passing of Dave Hilton - SM92. Please visit
yorkvillagefire.com

A graveside service was held on Wednesday, May 28th, 2003 at the First Parish Church Cemetery in York.

TV News Audio

A relief fund has been setup to help the family of Dave Hilton. Anyone interested in donating to this fund may do so by sending a check to:

David Hilton Family Relief Fund
C/O Kennebunk Savings Bank
16 Woodbridge Rd.
York, Maine 03909