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ASHFORD
Volunteer Fire Department
Volunteer Fire Department
Proudly serving the citizens of Ashford since 1950!
Fire • EMS • Rescue
| P.O. Box 1 • Ashford, CT 06278 • (860) 429-9862 |
NEWS ARCHIVE 2007-2008
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AVFD Trains for Vehicle Extrications
August 26 - On Sunday, August 26, AVFD
firefighters participated in a vehicle extrication
exercise at the town's public works facility.
Motor vehicle accidents can trap occupants in
cars. Rapid and safe extrication is often
necessary to ensure the occupants get timely
medical treatment. The exercise was
designed to provide members with hands-on
experience in proper extrication techniques. It
was part of an ongoing effort to ensure that
department personnel are prepared when an
emergency strikes.
firefighters participated in a vehicle extrication
exercise at the town's public works facility.
Motor vehicle accidents can trap occupants in
cars. Rapid and safe extrication is often
necessary to ensure the occupants get timely
medical treatment. The exercise was
designed to provide members with hands-on
experience in proper extrication techniques. It
was part of an ongoing effort to ensure that
department personnel are prepared when an
emergency strikes.
OCTOBER 10 - On Wednesday, October 10, the AVFD, in
cooperation with the American Red Cross, sponsored a
blood drive at Station 20. The station was flooded with
people interested in donating. Every two seconds, someone
in the United States needs blood. Donations are the only
source of blood; there are no substitutes. The Red Cross
estimates that for every unit of blood donated, three lives are
saved. In total, the drive collected 35 units of blood. That
means, the effort saved 105 lives. Thank you to all those
people who literally gave of themselves for this important
cause.
cooperation with the American Red Cross, sponsored a
blood drive at Station 20. The station was flooded with
people interested in donating. Every two seconds, someone
in the United States needs blood. Donations are the only
source of blood; there are no substitutes. The Red Cross
estimates that for every unit of blood donated, three lives are
saved. In total, the drive collected 35 units of blood. That
means, the effort saved 105 lives. Thank you to all those
people who literally gave of themselves for this important
cause.
Blood Drive Saves 105 Lives
AVFD Hosts Fire Prevention Field Trip
OCTOBER 12 - On Friday, October 12, the AVFD hosted a field
trip of local preschool and kindergarten students to discuss
fire prevention and safety. The event was part of the
department's effort to promote Fire Prevention Week. In
addition to Friday's event, department members went to
Ashford School to discuss fire safety with students in grades 1
to 3. In addition, on Saturday, the department hosted a fire
prevention event at Station 20 for the residents of Ashford.
During all three days of activities, participants learned how the
department serves the residents during fire and medical
emergencies. They also received information on how they
can protect themselves and their property from a fire. For
further information about Fire Prevention Week, please visit its
official website. For more information about fire safety and
for other safety tips, visit the department's safety information
page.
trip of local preschool and kindergarten students to discuss
fire prevention and safety. The event was part of the
department's effort to promote Fire Prevention Week. In
addition to Friday's event, department members went to
Ashford School to discuss fire safety with students in grades 1
to 3. In addition, on Saturday, the department hosted a fire
prevention event at Station 20 for the residents of Ashford.
During all three days of activities, participants learned how the
department serves the residents during fire and medical
emergencies. They also received information on how they
can protect themselves and their property from a fire. For
further information about Fire Prevention Week, please visit its
official website. For more information about fire safety and
for other safety tips, visit the department's safety information
page.
Captain Tom Borgman demonstrates
the thermal imaging camera.
the thermal imaging camera.
November 15 - The AVFD's firehouse at the southern end of Lake
Chaffee, known as Station 220, has been undergoing significant
renovations. Originally constructed in the mid-1960s, the station
was in desperate need of cosmetic improvements, a new electrical
system, and modifications to make it more energy efficient. Among
other things, the station has received new siding, insulation,
lighting, doors and windows as well as a new heating system and
entry way. The entire project has been funded by donations,
reflecting the department's continuing effort to lighten the financial
burden it places on the taxpayers of Ashford. The AVFD hopes the
renovation will not only make the department more cost-effective to
operate and more comfortable for its members but also more
appealing to the residents of Lake Chaffee.
Chaffee, known as Station 220, has been undergoing significant
renovations. Originally constructed in the mid-1960s, the station
was in desperate need of cosmetic improvements, a new electrical
system, and modifications to make it more energy efficient. Among
other things, the station has received new siding, insulation,
lighting, doors and windows as well as a new heating system and
entry way. The entire project has been funded by donations,
reflecting the department's continuing effort to lighten the financial
burden it places on the taxpayers of Ashford. The AVFD hopes the
renovation will not only make the department more cost-effective to
operate and more comfortable for its members but also more
appealing to the residents of Lake Chaffee.
Station 220 Undergoes Renovation
An AVFD member participates in
the demolition of Station 220's
interior.
the demolition of Station 220's
interior.
AVFD Trains for Pediatric Emergencies
DECEMBER 8 - On Saturday, December 8, the AVFD
sponsored an 8-hour certification program in pediatric
medical emergencies. The event was offered in cooperation
with Hartford Hospital and the Connecticut Office of
Emergency Medical Services and was funded by a grant
from the federal government. In attendance were 14
members of the AVFD as well as several individuals from
the Mansfield Fire Department and the Ambulance Service of
Manchester. The program is particularly important to
Ashford, with its large population of children. In addition to
the school, Ashford is home to Paul Newman's Hole in the
Wall Gang Camp and the June Norcross Webster Scout
Reservation.
sponsored an 8-hour certification program in pediatric
medical emergencies. The event was offered in cooperation
with Hartford Hospital and the Connecticut Office of
Emergency Medical Services and was funded by a grant
from the federal government. In attendance were 14
members of the AVFD as well as several individuals from
the Mansfield Fire Department and the Ambulance Service of
Manchester. The program is particularly important to
Ashford, with its large population of children. In addition to
the school, Ashford is home to Paul Newman's Hole in the
Wall Gang Camp and the June Norcross Webster Scout
Reservation.
AVFD Graduates Seven From Academy
JANUARY 31 - This winter, seven members of the
AVFD completed training and exams at the
Eastern Connecticut Fire School in Willimantic.
Two members (Melissa Fletcher and David
Polsky) completed the entry-level firefighter
program. The other five (Amy-Lyn Arel, Tom
Borgman, Andy Rittner, Jeff Tatro, and Ray
Whitehouse) completed the Firefighter II course.
Firefighter certification courses are physically and
intellectually challenging and require a
tremendous time commitment. Students in both
programs must participate in approximately 128
hours of classroom and skills training. In
addition, to be certified, they have to pass practical
skills and written exams administered by the state.
AVFD completed training and exams at the
Eastern Connecticut Fire School in Willimantic.
Two members (Melissa Fletcher and David
Polsky) completed the entry-level firefighter
program. The other five (Amy-Lyn Arel, Tom
Borgman, Andy Rittner, Jeff Tatro, and Ray
Whitehouse) completed the Firefighter II course.
Firefighter certification courses are physically and
intellectually challenging and require a
tremendous time commitment. Students in both
programs must participate in approximately 128
hours of classroom and skills training. In
addition, to be certified, they have to pass practical
skills and written exams administered by the state.
Image of the Connecticut Fire Academy in Windsor
Locks, where AVFD academy students participated
in live fire training.
Locks, where AVFD academy students participated
in live fire training.
AVFD Searches Lake at UConn
FEBRUARY 23 - Early Saturday morning, the
Tolland County Dive Team, including several
members of the AVFD, searched Swan Lake at the
University of Connecticut campus for a possible
person under the ice. At about 7:30 a.m., campus
police noticed a hole in the ice about 30 to 40 feet
from shore and nearby footprints, prompting
concern that someone might have fallen in the
lake. The ice was only about 4 inches thick. No
bodies were found in the lake and the search
produced no indication that, in fact, anyone had
broken through the ice. For more information, go
here and here.
Tolland County Dive Team, including several
members of the AVFD, searched Swan Lake at the
University of Connecticut campus for a possible
person under the ice. At about 7:30 a.m., campus
police noticed a hole in the ice about 30 to 40 feet
from shore and nearby footprints, prompting
concern that someone might have fallen in the
lake. The ice was only about 4 inches thick. No
bodies were found in the lake and the search
produced no indication that, in fact, anyone had
broken through the ice. For more information, go
here and here.
Swan Lake, adjacent to the Chemistry Building at
UConn, in Spring.
UConn, in Spring.
Man Charged in Ashford Fire
FEBRUARY 29 - On Friday, police arrested a
Hampton man for allegedly setting a series of
fires in Ashford, Mansfield and Chaplin in
October of 2006. According to the Hartford
Courant, “Thomas M. Nedweden, 27, faces
charges of third-degree arson related to five
fires. In two of those cases, he also faces
charges of first-degree criminal mischief.” At
the time of his arrest, Nedweden was already
in custody for a probation violation and
unrelated arson charge for a barn fire in
Hampton. “Police dogs led investigators from
the scene to Nedweden's home on Kenyon
Road, and state police recognized him as a
Hampton man for allegedly setting a series of
fires in Ashford, Mansfield and Chaplin in
October of 2006. According to the Hartford
Courant, “Thomas M. Nedweden, 27, faces
charges of third-degree arson related to five
fires. In two of those cases, he also faces
charges of first-degree criminal mischief.” At
the time of his arrest, Nedweden was already
in custody for a probation violation and
unrelated arson charge for a barn fire in
Hampton. “Police dogs led investigators from
the scene to Nedweden's home on Kenyon
Road, and state police recognized him as a
Ashford firefighters extinguish the fire that reached a
structure adjacent to the destroyed barn Monday night.
Photo from the Willimantic Chronicle (copyright (c)
2006 Willimantic Chronicle 10/31/2006).
structure adjacent to the destroyed barn Monday night.
Photo from the Willimantic Chronicle (copyright (c)
2006 Willimantic Chronicle 10/31/2006).
suspect in the 2006 arsons in Ashford, Chaplin and Mansfield,” said the Courant. The Ashford
incident involved the fire at a barn on Pompey Hollow Road on Oct. 30, 2006. For more
information, go here.
incident involved the fire at a barn on Pompey Hollow Road on Oct. 30, 2006. For more
information, go here.
MARCH 6 - On Thursday, at about 9:30 p.m.,
the AVFD was dispatched to an automobile
accident on Route 44 near Upton Road. A
15-year-old Willimantic boy lost control of the
Nissan Altima he was driving and crashed into
a tree. Department members quickly secured
the scene and assessed the boy.
Unfortunately, he sustained a severe head
injury and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The boy was alone in the car and was too
young to have a license. For more information
on the incident, go here.
the AVFD was dispatched to an automobile
accident on Route 44 near Upton Road. A
15-year-old Willimantic boy lost control of the
Nissan Altima he was driving and crashed into
a tree. Department members quickly secured
the scene and assessed the boy.
Unfortunately, he sustained a severe head
injury and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The boy was alone in the car and was too
young to have a license. For more information
on the incident, go here.
Boy Dies in Car Crash
Results of a study showing inexperience (blue area) is
the leading cause of death among teenage drivers.
the leading cause of death among teenage drivers.
Mark Krnjaich (on the right), a kindergarten student
from Ashford School, won a ride to school in
ET220. When he arrived, his classmates were
present to meet him.
from Ashford School, won a ride to school in
ET220. When he arrived, his classmates were
present to meet him.
Fisherman's Breakfast a Success
APRIL 19 - On Saturday, April 19, the first day of fishing
season, the AVFD held its annual Fisherman's
Breakfast at Ashford School. Department members
arrived at 2 a.m. to prepare for the event. From 5 to 11
a.m., members served breakfast to more than 150
people. The AVFD would like to thank Melissa
Fletcher, Jim Rupert, and Tom Borgman for organizing
the event as well as all the members who donated
their time and the businesses that donated food and
raffle prizes.
season, the AVFD held its annual Fisherman's
Breakfast at Ashford School. Department members
arrived at 2 a.m. to prepare for the event. From 5 to 11
a.m., members served breakfast to more than 150
people. The AVFD would like to thank Melissa
Fletcher, Jim Rupert, and Tom Borgman for organizing
the event as well as all the members who donated
their time and the businesses that donated food and
raffle prizes.
APRIL 26 - For the first time in several years, the
Ashford Parent Teachers Organization held its
Spring Jamboree, and the AVFD was there to help
relaunch the event. The department gave tours of
its ambulance and a fire engine, demonstrated
fire safety and emergency equipment, and
disseminated safety information. In addition, the
AVFD arranged for the Connecticut Fire Academy
to bring its Kids' Safety House, a mobile trailer
with a kitchen and bedroom that fills with a
non-toxic smoke from which children practice
escaping. The department also raffled off a ride
to school in one of its engines to assist the PTO
in its fundraising operation.
Ashford Parent Teachers Organization held its
Spring Jamboree, and the AVFD was there to help
relaunch the event. The department gave tours of
its ambulance and a fire engine, demonstrated
fire safety and emergency equipment, and
disseminated safety information. In addition, the
AVFD arranged for the Connecticut Fire Academy
to bring its Kids' Safety House, a mobile trailer
with a kitchen and bedroom that fills with a
non-toxic smoke from which children practice
escaping. The department also raffled off a ride
to school in one of its engines to assist the PTO
in its fundraising operation.
AVFD Helps Relaunch Spring Jamboree
AVFD Mourns Passing of Detective Murray
MAY 3 - On Saturday, May 3rd, State Police Detective Craig Murray,
38 years old, passed away unexpectedly while camping with his
family in Ashford. Detective Murray served at Troop C in Tolland
since 1998 and became a familiar face to many department
members. He was a 13-year veteran of the state police and served
with distinction as the school resource officer for E.O. Smith High
School in Mansfield. He was loved and admired by both his
co-workers and the public that he served and will be greatly
missed. Detective Murray leaves behind his wife, Linda Murray, and
three children, Tyler, Alyssa, and Jasmine. For more information on
the life and legacy of Detective Murray, go here. Memorial
donations may be made to the Craig Murray Children's Education
Fund c/o Rose Roszczewski, P.O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT
06076.
38 years old, passed away unexpectedly while camping with his
family in Ashford. Detective Murray served at Troop C in Tolland
since 1998 and became a familiar face to many department
members. He was a 13-year veteran of the state police and served
with distinction as the school resource officer for E.O. Smith High
School in Mansfield. He was loved and admired by both his
co-workers and the public that he served and will be greatly
missed. Detective Murray leaves behind his wife, Linda Murray, and
three children, Tyler, Alyssa, and Jasmine. For more information on
the life and legacy of Detective Murray, go here. Memorial
donations may be made to the Craig Murray Children's Education
Fund c/o Rose Roszczewski, P.O. Box 25, Stafford Springs, CT
06076.
JUNE 1 - This spring, four members of the AVFD
completed training and exams at the Eastern
Connecticut Fire School in Willimantic. Two
members (Steve Parent and Ryan Will) completed
the entry-level firefighter program. The other two
(Roger Phillips and Will Krukoff) completed the
Firefighter II course. Firefighter certification
courses are physically and intellectually
challenging and require a tremendous time
commitment. Students in both programs must
participate in approximately 128 hours of
classroom and skills training. In addition, to be
certified, they have to pass practical skills and
written exams administered by the state.
completed training and exams at the Eastern
Connecticut Fire School in Willimantic. Two
members (Steve Parent and Ryan Will) completed
the entry-level firefighter program. The other two
(Roger Phillips and Will Krukoff) completed the
Firefighter II course. Firefighter certification
courses are physically and intellectually
challenging and require a tremendous time
commitment. Students in both programs must
participate in approximately 128 hours of
classroom and skills training. In addition, to be
certified, they have to pass practical skills and
written exams administered by the state.
Four More Certified As Firefighters
