FY25_AnnualReport_WATERFORDmed
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Waterford Fire Department Annual Report FY 2025 The mission of the Waterford Fire Department embraces a willing spirit and steadfast commitment to enhancing the quality of life for the citi- zens of Waterford and beyond, through delivery of rapid, service- minded, fire, emergency medical, and rescue response. Annual Report 2025 Mission Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu The Department and its force will endeavor to positively impact lives and outcomes amid any and all situations for which they may be called upon. Letter from The Director Welcome to the 2025 Annual Report of your Waterford Fire Department. I’d like to thank you for the privilege to lead the department and its force. It is an honor to be granted the responsibility of guiding this organization forward in service to you our residents. Since arriving here I have been met with nothing but open arms, willingness, and ac- ceptance. I’m eager to continue working to chart the fu- ture for a great organization that is rapidly expanding and evolving each day, while maintaining the pride and herit- age of over a century of committed public service. Annual Report 2025 Christopher Haley Director of Fire Service Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Executive Summary: FY 25 As I only officially began my journey with Waterford at the tail-end of FY25 in May; I’d be remiss to not acknowledge prior Interim Directors Ste- phen Dubicki and Michael Howley for their service throughout FY25. I look forward to the many opportunities we have ahead as we lay the groundwork for the Waterford Fire Department and its exciting future. We are an organi- zation on the move that is growing and evolving to provide stronger and more consistent Fire, EMS, and Rescue service to you everyday. While much is in a state of change, our team’s commitment remains the same, to pro- vide professional and compassionate service in your time of need. This past year marked an important step forward in strengthening Waterford’s fire services and our town’s long- term public safety strategy. Like many communities across Connecticut, we continue to face the challenge of declining volunteerism in the fire service. In response, Waterford has made a deliberate and sustained commitment to increasing the number of full-time Firefighter/EMTs to ensure reliable coverage, faster response times, and the highest level of protection for our residents, businesses, and visitors. The transition toward a combined force of dedicated career staff and remaining vol- unteers reflects our town’s recognition of the evolving demands placed on today’s fire service. I am proud of the professionalism, compassion, and skill our Firefight- er/EMTs demonstrate every day, often under difficult and dangerous conditions. Their work represents the very best of public service. This year, the Town took a historic step with the approval of funding for the con- struction of Waterford’s first town-owned fire station—a project made possible through the overwhelming support of the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and Representative Town Meeting. Their shared vision and collaboration will pro- vide our department with a modern facility that enhances training, readiness, and efficiency for generations to come. On behalf of the entire community, I extend my sincere gratitude to our Fire Department lead- ership, our dedicated Firefighter/EMTs, and all those who continue to make Waterford a safer and stronger place to live. Robert M. Brule First Selectman, Town of Waterford First Selectman’s Message Annual Report 2025 Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Robert Brule First Selectman New Hires in FY 25 Annual Report 2025 Badge: 33 Assignment: Group 3 Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu FF/EMT Alec Dube Badge: 34 Assignment: Group 3 Badge: 35 Assignment: Group 1 FF/EMT Brandon Jencks FF/EMT Alex Blais FF/EMT Matthew King Badge: 36 Assignment: Group 2 Since the first full-time member in 1966 Waterford Firefighter’s have retained their badge number throughout their career and into retirement. Today Waterford Badges remain independently hand formed, stamped, and brazed by artisan crafters, each as unique as those sworn to proudly wear it. The Fire Marshal’s Office; comprised of one (1) Fire Marshal and (1) Fire Inspector; is tasked with inspection of commercial properties for compliance with State Fire Code. Waterford is home to over 3,100 inspection properties. These include the numerous Residential, Assembly, Storage , Edu- cational, Business, and Mercantile occupancies that call Waterford Home. The State of Connecticut inspection cycle; sets intervals for inspecting our various properties. FY25 brought with it a more robust inspection pro- gram; on a cloud based system called ESO. This has al- lowed us to better track inspections performed and due and also improved our ability report this data to you. The plan review side of the office is performing well as maintaining the influx of development in town and maintaining the 30 day requirement set forth by the State of Connecticut. In addition the Waterford Fire Marshal office investi- gates Origin and Cause of fires within the Town of Water- ford. We have had approximately 20 building fires in the past year & 6 passenger vehicle fires in that time as well. Steve Dubicki Fire Marshal Fire Marshal’s Bureau Annual Report 2025 Inspections Performed: 1,242 Violations Found: 1,176 New Plans Reviewed: 54 Permits Issued: 24 Fire Marshal Summary Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Spencer Bauch Fire Inspector Waterford Firefighters re- sponded to 3,096 Incidents in FY25. This represents another 6.4% increase over the prior year. The continuing upward trend reflects a busy, growing, and aging community that relies on the emergency service network. Simultaneous calls contin- ue to place a significant demand on depart- ment resources. First Response Emergency Medical Care remains the backbone of Waterford’s response, compris- ing 62.5% of all calls for service. All on-duty firefighters are certi- fied emergency medical technicians and re- spond to provide lifesaving interventions on critical medical emergencies. Service Demand Annual Report 2025 Total Calls for Service 3096 Fires: All Types 69 Fires: In Building 20 Fires: Working 6 Emergency Medical R-1 1,935 Simultaneous Calls 574 Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Fire & E.M.S. Waterford’s first documented motor vehicle crash was in 1904; ever since a significant de- mand for Rescue Service has been placed on Waterford’s Fire Department. These special services stretch beyond the many miles of highway that cross the town, and encompass hundreds of special hazards including com- munication and water towers, utility vaults, industrial and agricultural equipment, inland waterways, and coastal access points. Service Demand Annual Report 2025 Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Vehicle Accident: Serious Inj. or Extrication 119 Vehicle Accident: Pedestrian Struck 3 Extrication of Victim Trapped: Machinery 2 Extrication of Victim Trapped: Other 5 Rescue: Ice/Water/Open Area 4 Rescue: Elevator Victim Removal 3 Confined Space Rescue 1 Marine Rescue / Boat 4 Rescue Service Community Engagement Annual Report 2025 The Public Education branch of the department had another active & engaging year of interacting with the community. Our programs help raise awareness amongst all de- mographics on public and life safety initiatives. From school age children during our Camp Dash presentations to File of Life Programs for our seniors; engaging residents with Public Safety knowledge enhances qualify of life, and makes for a safer, and more vibrant Waterford. FY25 Highlights included: Clark Lane Middle Safe Cooking for Culinary Students, 3rd Grade Fire Escape obstacle course, High School Career & Health Fair, Senior Citizen CPR, AHEPA Fall Prevention, & More! Throughout the year; wherever Waterford goes to learn, play, or gather; you’ll usually find our team packed with knowledge, take-home educational materials, and always a smile. Community Summary Kathy Peterson Public Life Safety Educator Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Civic Events & Charity: 9 Seminars & Presentations: 21 Community Training Courses: 8 Total Citizen Engagements: 4150 Fire Station Information Station #1– “Jordan” 89 Rope Ferry Rd Year Built: 1936 Assigned: E11,T15 Annual Report 2025 Executive Summary: The Waterford Fire Department; operates 5 fire stations and one Administra- tive Office Building. These buildings total to approximately 64,000 square feet. Maintenance and upkeep of privately owned buildings is provided by the town via the Fire Department Administration as part of operating agreements. The long awaited replacement of Station 4, was approved in FY26 and will be in progress through FY26 and FFY27. As the foundation of the Waterford Fire Department continues to be charted, efficiencies and improvements to station upkeep will be ongoing. Initiatives include improve work order management, unified vendors, and enhanced short and long term planning. Station #2– “Quaker Hill” 17 Old Colchester Rd Year Built: 1927 Assigned: E21,T25, B23 Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Fire Station Information Station #3– “Goshen” 63 Goshen Rd Year Built: 1946 Assigned: E31, E32 Annual Report 2025 Station #5– “Cohanzie” 53 Dayton Rd Year Built: 1942 Assigned: E51,T55,R57,B53 Station #4- “Oswegatchie” 441 Boston Post Road Year Built: 1931 Assigned: E41,E42,B43 Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Waterford Fire Dept. Est. 1920 Of Service Through Sacrifice- Promptus Spiritu Looking Ahead Plans & Goals FY26 -CNR to Replace Confined Space Breathing Equip -Begin Construction of New Station 4 -CIP to Replace Air Conditioning Station 5 -Begin Full-Time Operation of Station 4 FY27 -Enhanced Medical Screening for Members -Enhanced Building Maintenance Plans -Completion of Radio System Upgrade -Begin Operation of New Station 4 Annual Report 2025