JUNE 2007
Saturday June 23, 2007 - "Nathan's Wish" Bone Marrow Testing Drive


June 30, 2007 - Goshen NH BBQ Barbeque - Goshen Nh Fire Department Will Be Hosting An Open House And A Chicken Barbecue On Saturday June 30, 2007 From 10 To 2.

Sat-Sun June 23-24, 2007

June 9, 2007 - The Surry Fire Department will be holding an open house to present their new 2007 KME pumper/tanker to the residents of Surry and members of the mutual aid system on Saturday June 9 from 9am to 3pm with a raindate of Sunday June 10th.

E. Kingston residents meet over fire chief - Selectmen eye reducing post to part-time Residents packed another selectmen's meeting about the fire chief Monday April 16. Chief Alan Muzar first met in a closed session with his attorney and selectmen to discuss his full-time job status, which selectmen said they intend to revoke in May, making the position part-time. After the closed session, members of the fire department, fire association and residents issued passionate appeals in support of Muzar, punctuated by resounding applause
Complete Seacoast Online Article at Seacoast Online

Concord NH - New Fire Chief Acting fire chief will be permanent

Twenty-one year member and Acting Chief, Robert Vezina Jr. beat out other applicants to be named the Concord's new fire chief. Vezina had been acting Chief since Chris Pope left in mid-August to become the state's director of Homeland Security.

Nashua (Iowa) Volunteer Fire Department 100th Anniversary
The Nashua Volunteer Fire Department is celebrating 100 years of dedicated service to the community and area this year. In commemoration of this event, we will be hosting an antique fire engine parade during the Water Over the Dam Days parade on Saturday, June 23rd. Line up is at 9:30 near the football field and parade time is 10:30. After the parade all pre-1950 antique entries are invited to Cedar View Park for showing and judging. Trophies will be awarded for the following categories: OLDEST, FURTHEST TRAVELED, BEST OF SHOW. All participants in the parade and other activities are then invited for food and refreshments at the Nashua Fire Station. NO NEED TO SIGN UP - JUST SHOW UP.
Sincerely, Tom Johnson, Chief

MAY 2007

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MAY 2007
Veteran Exeter firefighter retires after 18 years For many, a job is just a job. But for Lt. Phil Kendrick, of the Exeter Fire Department, being a firefighter has turned into a lifestyle, a love and a family. Complete Seacoast Online Story

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APRIL 2007
Plans progress for new Stratham fire station - Firefighters thank community for new station funding The Stratham Fire Department had its first meeting in the highway shed this past Wednesday as part of the department's temporary move to the Department of Public Works building on Bunker Hill Avenue. The move will be completed this weekend. Most of the meeting was spent discussing the logistics of completing the move.
The transfer of equipment began April 3 and involved the volunteer firefighters working every night for the past two weeks.
Complete Seacoast Online Article at Seacoast Online

Charlestown NH - ROAST BEEF DINNER WITH FIXINGS

JUNE 2,2007 - 1700 HOURS
COST: ADULT $9.00 UNDER 12 $5.00

Antrim Fire and Ambulance will be having an open house on Saturday May 19th from 1000 to 1500 at Station #1 on Clinton Road. Smokey Bear, auto extrication demo, fire extinguisher demos and the Fire Safety Trailer from SWNHFMA. Raffles and free stuff throughout the day

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Southwestern New Hampshire District Fire Mutual Aid System Annual Meeting

Wednesday April 11, 2007

Best Western Motel 401 Winchester Street Keene, NH

1730 Hrs On Display New & Refurbished Apparatus Fire Safety Trailer Mci Trailer Hazmat Team Equipment & Demo’s Refreshments & Social Hour

1900 Hrs Annual Meeting

Presentations On Par Policy, Mayday Policy & Accountability

Charlestown Fire DepartmentROAST PORK DINNER WITH FIXINGS!

April 21,2007 - 5:00PM at the Fire Station

Cost: Adult $8.00 Under 12 $5.00

MARCH 2007


Town of Merrimack Department of Fire Rescue For Immediate Release: For Additional Information: Frank Fraitzl Deputy Fire Chief (603) 424-3690 or ffraitzl@ci.merrimack.nh.us March 24, 2007

Shortly after a late winter storm began, Merrimack fire received a 911 call from the homeowner at 82 Tinker road reporting a fire in the bathroom. Engine 2 from the Naticook road station was on scene in five minutes and reported smoke coming from the home. Firefighters made a quick and aggressive attack on the fire and contained it to the ceiling of a second floor bathroom. The fire which originated near a bathroom vent caused considerable damage to the attic area and underside of the homes roof. Smoke and water damage was contained to the second floor of the home.

One occupant of the home was treated by EMS personnel at the scene for smoke inhalation but declined transportation to the hospital. There were no firefighter injuries.

Three engines, two ambulances, and a deputy chief responded to the fire, in addition Nashua fire assisted at the scene and Manchester fire covered the Merrimack central station. Merrimack Police detoured traffic during the incident.

The home is owned by Eric and Heather Hansen, damage is estimated at $25,000. The cause of the fire is under investigation but believed to be electrical in nature.

The fire was declared under control at 10:04 and firefighters remained on scene until 11:52 to remove burnt areas of the roof and return the home to a weather tight state due to the ongoing snowstorm.

MARCH 2007
TOWN MEETING RESULTS

CHESTER - UPCOMING MAY 8

The Fire Department's budget was proposed at $272,847 but was trimmed to $241,129 by the end budget committee. Some of the department's protective equipment needs replacing, which is part of the reason for the department's 18 percent budget increase. Fire Chief Richard Antoine had asked to add a full-time firefighter. That will be presented to voters as a separate warrant article.

ALLENSTOWN - Article 11: $275,000 lease of a mini-pumper truck Yes 102 No 419

ALLENSTOWN - Article 11: To see if the Town will authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a five (5) year lease purchase agreement for Two hundred seventy-five thousand dollars ($275,000) for the purpose of leasing a mini-pumper to replace the Allenstown Fire Department's 1976 American LaFrance (Engine 2) and to raise and appropriate Sixty-fourthousand two hundred fifty dollars ($64,250) for the first year's payment for that purpose. This lease agreement contains an escape clause. Yes 102 No 419

ALLENSTOWN - Article 12: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) to be placed into the existing Public Safety Facilities Capital Reserve Fund. Yes 247 No 266

ALLENSTOWN - Article 13: $34,482 for 2 full-time firefighters Yes 107 No 413

ALLENSTOWN - Article 13: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Thirty-four thousand four hundred eighty-two dollars ($34,482 ) to hire two (2) additional full-time firefighters for the Allenstown Fire Department. This represents 1/2 year's salary for two firefighters including the cost of gear, uniforms and physicals. Yes 107 No 413

ALLENSTOWN - Article 14: $28,394 lease-purchase agreement for a 2007 SUV Yes 195 No 321

ALLENSTOWN - Article 14: To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen to enter into a three (3) year lease purchase agreement of Twenty-eight thousand three hundred ninety-four dollars ($28,394) for the purpose of leasing a 2007 SUV for use by the Fire and Police Departments as a Command Vehicle, and to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten thousand two hundred twentytwo dollars ($10,222) for the first year's payment for that purpose. This will replace the current Car 1 a 1999 Ford Crown Victoria, which will be transferred to the Highway Department. This lease agreement contains an escape clause. Yes 195 No 321

ALLENSTOWN - Article 15: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of One thousand dollars ($1,000) to be placed in the Police Cruiser Capital Reserve Fund. Yes 292 No 225

ALLENSTOWN - Article 16: To see if the Town will vote to change the purpose of the existing Police Computer Equipment Capital Reserve Fund to the Town Computer Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. The current balance is $4,825.49. (2/3 vote required) Yes 314 No 203

ALLENSTOWN - Article 17: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Six thousand dollars ($6,000) to be placed in the Police Safety Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. Yes 274 No 244

ALLENSTOWN - Article 9: To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of Ten-thousand dollars ($10,000) to be placed in the Fire Department Safety Equipment Capital Reserve Fund. Yes 279 No 265

ALTON - Article 20: $139,000 from ambulance fund for ambulance lease payment Yes 1,063 No 296

ALTON - Article 21: $30,000 for fire station reserve fund Yes 864 No 503

ALTON - Article 22: $50,421 for lease payment for fire rescue vehicle Yes 997 No 361

ALTON - Article 23: $390,000 for new fire pump truck Yes 765 No 599

ALTON - Article 24: $30,100 for fire SUV command vehicle Yes 630 No 735

ASHLAND - Ashland voters will be asked to make the town's fire chief a full-time, paid employee

BOSCAWEN - Voters passed a $3 million town budget that included money to buy fire trucks

CANDIA - Article 23: To see if the town will raise $50,000 to be deposited in the capital reserve fund for the future purchase of fire apparatus and equipment. Yes 499 No 212

CANDIA - Article 27: To see if the town will raise $15,000 to be deposited into the capital reserve fund for the future purchase of fire apparatus and equipment. Yes 512 No 198

CORNISH - Appropriation of $22,000 for the fire department capital reserve fund passed.

CORNISH - Demolition of the current fire station and highway garage in preparation for a new fire station passed.

DEERFIELD - Article 2: $200,000 for fire suppression system Yes 622 No 383

DUNBARTON - Approved: $32,000 for the fire department, of which 95 percent will be paid for by a federal grant, to buy new protective equipment and a washer to clean the gear.

EPSOM - Article 11: $171,734 for an ambulance Yes 609 No 496

EPSOM - Article 12: Shall the Town raise and appropriate the sum of twentysix thousand seven hundred seventyfive dollars ($26,775.00) to refurbish the body of the 1993 Pierce Rescue Pumper? Majority vote required; this appropriation is in addition to the operating budget. Yes 654 No 450

EPSOM - Article 13: There presently exists a Special Revenue Fund established under RSA 31:95c which provides that up to $15,000.00 per year and no more than $150,000.00 in aggregate earned from providing ambulance services be reserved and spent on replacing or maintaining the ambulance equipment of the Epsom Fire and Rescue. Are you in favor of removing the per year and aggregate ceilings, and allowing the fund to be expended on any fire and ambulance apparatus? Any expenditure from this fund will only be made after a vote by the legislative body to appropriate a specific amount from said fund for a specific purpose related to the purpose of the fund or the source of revenue. This fund shall be hereafter known as the Fire and Rescue Apparatus Fund, separate from the General Fund. Any surplus in the said fund shall not be deemed part of the General Fund accumulated surplus. Majority vote required. Yes 718 No 362

FARMINGTON - Article 10 placing $50,000 in capital reserve for fire equipment

FARMINGTON - Article 15, seeking $43,750 to be added to a Public Safety Building Capital Reserve Fund was approved.

FARMINGTON - Article 18, seeking $27,000 for a new police Ford Explorer, to replace a 7-year old Ford Expedition, was approved.

HILLSBOROUGH - Voters agreed to spend $30,000 toward the lease-purchase of a $212,000 tanker for the fire department.

LEE - Article 10, which would have given selectmen the authority to appoint the fire chief and fire engineers, was withdrawn

LEE - Article 11, $10,000 for the Solid Waste Capital Reserve Fund, approved.

LEE - Article 15, $24,780 for a new police cruiser, approved.

LEE - Article 8, $10,000 for repair and replacement of fire ponds and cisterns, approved.

LEE - Article 9, $50,000 for the Fire Equipment Trust Fund, approved.

LITCHFIELD - Voters chose to stay with Fire Chief Tom Schofield. Schofield topped Tim Hebert, a former Litchfield firefighter who now works for the Derry Fire Department, by a vote of 943-385.

MILAN - Town Meeting approved $44,625 to survey and purchase land next to the West Milan fire truck garage.

MILTON -- New fire station, residents voted against the $950,000 bond to replace the existing building, which firefighters will soon have to vacate per order of the state Fire Marshal. Article 4 required a three-fifths majority to pass, but it failed to even make a simple majority -- 451 yes 27, no 350, blank.

NEW DURHAM - Approved was Article 17, sending $50,000 to the "new fire station" fund, which was established at last year's meeting and filled with a separate $50,000.

NEW DURHAM -- Article 10 -- To establish a capital reserve fund with $50,000 for purchasing land for a new fire station failed in a 94-92 secret ballot vote.

NEW DURHAM - Article 11 - To appropriate $165,000 to purchase a four-acre site of mostly high ground uplands with access off Route 11 for a new fire station failed 114-79

NEW DURHAM - Article 16 was approved, establishing a capital reserve fund, with an initial allotment of $25,000, to prepare for a satellite fire station on Kings Highway to serve the town's Second Division.

PITTSBURG - Results pending

SALISBURY - Voters approved a $280,000 plan to expand the library. Only $25,000 will be raised through taxes. Part of the remainder will come from the the sale of the town's old fire station.

STRATHAM NH - PENDING -- Stratham firefighters and the building committee hope voters at Town Meeting on Friday night will remedy the situation by approving $2.25 million more to build a new station.

SUNAPEE - Approved $60,000 for the fire apparatus capital reserve fund, 662-293

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The bi-annual Ham Operators Swap Show, the "HOSS Traders" will no longer be held after about 30 years. Best known during its heyday in Deerfield, the event has been held more recently in Hopkinton and Rochester. A victim of E-bay and a couple of idiots almost burning down a building at the Deerfield Fairgrounds.

February 3, 2007 - Dinner 5:30pm-7:30pm/Dance 7:30-11:30 Sponsor- The North Walpole Fire & Rescue Department

Bellows Falls Moose Family Center.

Join us for a night of good food and great dancing. While also helping out The North Walpole Fire Department with their new rescue boat fund.
Tickets are $10.00 each which includes both the dinner and the dance. Kids under 5 are free. For ticket information call The North Walpole Fire Dept. at 603-445-5353 or can be bought at the door.

By Claire Lynch Colebrook (New Hampshire) News Sentinel

Frigid temperatures hampered efforts of firefighters from all over the North Country last Tuesday, January 17, freezing and disabling equipment as crews battled a fire that destroyed the Audet family's Norton Gas on Route 114.

The fire originated near the wood stove, said Beecher Falls fire chief Steve Young. His department was the first to respond to a 911 call made from the Norton Port of Entry at 5:48 p.m. The fire was burning in the building's back wall and smoke was coming from the back eaves, Chief Young said.

The garage, which is a fuel service facility owned by the Audet family of Coaticook, Québec, is not a large structure, he said, and had only one entrance. There were no stairs to a second floor access inside, he said, making it dangerous to attempt to work the fire from the building's interior.

The extent of the fire was not completely evident as the crews worked, Chief Young said, and it took about an hour before flames broke through the second floor and roof. A large amount of smoke was blowing across Route 114 as tires stored inside the building burned, hampering the visibility and air quality for everyone on scene, and for volunteers aiding the firefighters from the Norton School and Town Offices immediately across the road.

Fire crews and engines from surrounding departments, including Colebrook, Pittsburg, Brighton and Coaticook, also responded, along with the Colebrook Ambulance and the Essex County Sheriff¹s Department. Colebrook brought its Quint ladder truck north at about 8 p.m., swapping its crew for a Beecher Falls crew in Canaan before proceeding to the scene to fight the fire from above.

The Brighton Fire Department was called away from the scene around 10:30 p.m. for a structure fire in Island Pond. A Colebrook crew that was on standby at the Beecher Falls station went to the scene, as did an engine and crew from the Pittsburg Fire Department. A crew from the Stratford Fire Department provided coverage at the Colebrook station.

The temperature reached 16 below zero and snow was falling heavily, reducing visibility. Fire-fighters made use of their overhead lights after a utility pole was knocked out, but equipment froze up and two firefighters suffered minor injuries. "We had a lot of trouble with everything freezing," said Chief Young.

Water lines and pumps were freezing, he said, and valves will need to be replaced at a substantial, as yet undermined cost. Some lines had to be cut to be taken apart, he said. The Colebrook ladder truck completely froze up, said Colebrook chief Brett Brooks.

That truck had to be driven to Pittsburg with its ladder partially extended, and stored inside to be thawed, he said. The pre-piped waterway is damaged, said Chief Brooks, and bent and broken brackets will need to be repaired.

"By the time they took the truck to Pittsburg and got back to Colebrook, it was 5 a.m.," he said. Beecher Falls firefighters ended their command of the scene at 3:15 a.m. The following day, however, they were called back at 11:45 a.m. for a fire that had ignited near the center of the building in a wood pile. It was quickly put down, Chief Young said.

Chief Young expressed his appreciation to all the fire departments, law enforcement and EMS personnel who were involved. The members of the Colebrook and Pittsburg fire departments who stayed to assist with cleanup were especially appreciated, and he said the firefighters received much support from Norton residents Gina Vigneault, Kenn Stransky, Franklin Henry, Rosario Poulin, Travis Pelletier, Julie Riffon, Julie Charest of the Norton Country Store and the Norton Restaurant. Several members of the Audet family, including co-owners Daniel Audet, Leandre Audet and Brian Luce, all of Coaticook, were at the scene, watching the progress as the fire crews worked. Mr. Luce, who had arrived before the fire was reported, said he entered the building and was struck by how hot it was. He said station employee Roger Maurais told him he had just loaded the wood stove only moments before.

According to Chief Young, the building was a total loss. He said yesterday that he had not yet heard from the state fire marshal's office as to the cause of the fire, but he expects that the investigation will focus on the wood stove. Also lost were a camper that was stored inside, as well as the Audets business files and equipment.

Courtesy of the Colebrook New Sentinel Editor and Publisher Karen Ladd (Issue of January 24, 2007)
Claire Lynch Photo

12 Condos Damaged Beyond Repair in Ascutney Fire; 100 Firefighters Called   At least eight condominium units were destroyed Tuesday in a blaze that prompted the West Windsor fire chief to send out an unprecedented fourth alarm seeking additional personnel and equipment to tame the tenacious flames.

West Windsor's volunteer firefighters were the first to arrive at the 12-unit Mountain's Edge condominium building at Ascutney Mountain Resort.

* 100 firefighters helped fight the blaze
* 15 towns sent firefighters or equipment
* 30 pieces of equipment, including two ladder trucks, were on the scene
* 500,000 gallons of water were used
Click for complete Valley News Story       Click for Valley News photo

Complete Valley New Story

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From the Berlin Daily Sun
Berlin fire lieutenant heads for N.Y. for culinary competition
One local firefighter is cooking with fire rather than battling one. Berlin Fire Lt. Bill Maddalena is one of ten finalists nationwide who will be competing at The Tabasco Cook & Ladder Company firefighters cooking contest on Feb. 6 at the in New York City. The competition is open to all firefighters in the United States. The only other requirement is that the recipe must contain Tabasco.
The top three winners are awarded cash prizes, with the winner walking away with $10,000, half of which goes to the firefighter's department.

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